System and method for energy generation

ABSTRACT

A magnetic system and related method for generating energy is described. Multiple embodiments are described having different shapes, alternative designs to receive different driving forces, varied magnetic structures, and so forth. In an example implementation, a magnetic structure may include on a single side multiple magnetic sources having different magnetic polarities. Other description herein may be directed to magnetizer printing, adaptable/adjustable correlated magnet devices, entertainment devices having correlated magnet technology, and so forth. Furthermore, description of additional magnet-related technology and example implementations thereof is included herein.

CLAIMING BENEFIT OF PRIOR FILED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Nos. 61/277,214 (filed Sep. 22, 2009), 61/277,900 (filedSep. 30, 2009), 61/278,767 (filed Oct. 9, 2009), 61/279,094 (filed Oct.16, 2009), 61/281,160 (filed Nov. 13, 2009), 61/283,780 (filed Dec. 9,2009), 61/284,385 (filed Dec. 17, 2009) and 61/342,988 (filed Apr. 22,2010); and this patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Nonprovisional patent application Ser. Nos. 12/885,450 (filed Sep. 18,2010) and 12/476,952 (filed Jun. 2, 2009). The contents of these eightprovisional patent applications and two nonprovisional patentapplications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entiretyherein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure herein relates generally to magnetic technologies. By wayof example but not limitation, certain portions of the disclosure relateto energy generation using magnetic structures.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, an example embodiment is directed to an electrical energygeneration apparatus, which may comprise a first structure and a secondstructure. The first structure may include multiple magnetic sourcesthat are disposed on a first side of the first structure. The multiplemagnetic sources may produce one or more magnetic fields. The multiplemagnetic sources may include at least one first magnetic source having afirst polarity and at least one second magnetic source having a secondpolarity, with the first polarity differing from the second polarity.The second structure may include at least one coil, and the secondstructure may be configured to enable the at least one coil to bepositioned at least partially within the one or more magnetic fields. Atleast one of the multiple magnetic sources of the first structure or theat least one coil of the second structure may be capable of movementrelative to the other responsive to a force.

In another aspect, an example embodiment may be directed to a methodthat comprises forming a magnetic structure that includes multiplemagnetic sources having different polarities disposed on a single sideof the magnetic structure, with the multiple magnetic sources arrangedin a pattern and producing one or more magnetic fields. At least oneconductive coil that is capable of interacting with the one or moremagnetic fields may be provided. An apparatus may be constructed thatenables the magnetized structure and the at least one conductive coil tomove relative to each other such that the at least one conductive coilis to interact with the one or more magnetic fields based at leastpartly on a relative movement of the at least one conductive coil andthe magnetized structure.

In yet another aspect, an example embodiment may be directed to a methodthat comprises ascertaining a targeted set of magnetic characteristics.A coded magnet configuration may be formulated responsive at leastpartly to the targeted set of magnetic characteristics, with the codedmagnet configuration including at least two adjacent magnetic fieldsources having opposite polarities. Magnetic field properties for thecoded magnet configuration may be modeled based, at least in part, on ashortest path effect exhibited with respect to the at least two adjacentmagnetic field sources having the opposite polarities. A coded magneticstructure may be built based, at least in part, on the coded magnetconfiguration and the modeling.

Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth, in part, in thedetailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in partwill be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned bypractice of the invention. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the inventionas disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of described embodiments may be obtainedby reference to the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1-9 are various diagrams used to help explain different exampleconcepts about correlated magnetic technology which can be utilized incertain embodiments;

FIG. 10 depicts an example multilevel correlated magnetic structure orsystem;

FIG. 11 depicts an example multilevel transition distance determinationplot;

FIG. 12 depicts an example multilevel correlated magnetic system;

FIG. 13A depicts an example multilevel correlated magnetic system;

FIGS. 13B and 13C depict alternative example correlated magneticstructures;

FIG. 14A depicts a round magnetizable material having been programmed inan example manner about its outer perimeter with alternating polaritymaxels;

FIG. 14B depicts the round magnetizable material of FIG. 14A relative toexample field coils;

FIG. 14C depicts an example arrangement including a metal bar extendingfrom a solenoid coil over a first magnetic source to an adjacentmagnetic source;

FIG. 14D depicts an exemplary programmed magnet with two coils that are90 degrees out of phase with respect to the spacing of magnetic sourcesof the programmed magnet;

FIG. 15A depicts an example electrical generator that may use randomwave motion to generate electricity;

FIG. 15B depicts an example curved structure that may be employed in theelectrical generator of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 depicts an example shock absorber that produces electricitywhile absorbing shock using multi-level magnetism;

FIG. 17A depicts a female component of an example magnetic cushioningdevice;

FIG. 17B depicts a male component of the example magnetic cushioningdevice;

FIG. 17C depicts an assembled version of the example magnetic cushioningdevice;

FIG. 18 depicts a flow diagram illustrating example methods relating toelectrical generating apparatuses;

FIG. 19A depicts an example magnetizing printer;

FIG. 19B depicts a flow diagram illustrating example methods relating tomagnetizing printers;

FIG. 20 depicts an example design of layers of a magnetizer print head;

FIG. 21 depicts a device comprising example circularly-coded magneticstructures having coding to enable a user to rotate one structurerelative to the other to produce a desired force;

FIGS. 22A-22C depict example uses of code density coding to controlforce curve properties of regions of a magnetic structure in order toconvey information or to effect movement;

FIGS. 23A-23D depict an example self-complementary correlated magneticstructure;

FIGS. 24A and 24B depict examples of complementary coding enablingmultiple rotational alignments;

FIG. 25 depicts an example approach to coding complementary correlatedmagnetic structures;

FIG. 26 depicts example gambling devices that may utilize correlatedmagnetics technology;

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict an example device that can be used to produceexploding toys and the like and/or can be used to store energy;

FIGS. 28-32 depict example aspects of a game that may utilize correlatedmagnetic structures;

FIGS. 33-35 depict different magnetic structures that illustrate exampleaspects of a shortest path effect that may impact patterned magneticstechnology;

FIG. 36 depicts a flow diagram illustrating example methods for handlinga shortest path effect in conjunction with patterned magneticstechnology;

FIG. 37 depicts an example complex machine employing a magnetic forcecomponent;

FIGS. 38A-38E depict example magnetic dzus devices;

FIGS. 39A-39G depict an example magnetic foldable frame system;

FIGS. 40A-40C depict examples of magnet-based glass cleaning systems;

FIG. 41 depicts an example aquarium cleaning system that may be employedwith an aquarium; and

FIG. 42 depicts an example magnetic door latch;

FIGS. 43A and 43B depict an example of a rotating lid that may bemanipulated using correlated magnetics;

FIGS. 44A and 44B depict two example structures that may be coupled witha high degree of precision using correlated magnetics;

FIG. 45 depicts an example tool or other implement storage mechanismthat uses correlated magnetics;

FIG. 46 depicts an example security device that may employ a correlatedmagnetic release mechanism;

FIGS. 47, 47 a, and 47 b depict example approaches to using correlatedmagnetics with landscaping equipment;

FIGS. 48A-48C depict an example scheme to create a coded magnet that is“enhanced” in terms of rotational cross-correlation;

FIG. 49 depicts two coded magnets and a third structure in a context ofan example interaction between and among them; and

FIG. 50 depicts an example approach to securing a lid to a containerusing coded magnets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain described embodiments may relate to a multilevel correlatedmagnetic system and method for using the multilevel correlated magneticsystem. The multilevel correlated magnetic system is made possible, inpart, by the use of an emerging, revolutionary technology that is calledcorrelated magnetics. This revolutionary technology referred to hereinas correlated magnetics was first fully described and enabled in theco-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/123,718 filed on May 20,2008 and entitled “A Field Emission System and Method”. The contents ofthis document are hereby incorporated herein by reference. A secondgeneration of a correlated magnetic technology is described and enabledin the co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/358,423 filed onJan. 23, 2009 and entitled “A Field Emission System and Method”. Thecontents of this document are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Athird generation of a correlated magnetic technology is described andenabled in the co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/476,952filed on Jun. 2, 2009 and entitled “A Field Emission System and Method”.The contents of this document are hereby incorporated herein byreference. Another technology known as correlated inductance, which isrelated to correlated magnetics, has been described and enabled in theco-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/322,561 filed on Feb. 4,2009 and entitled “A System and Method for Producing an Electric Pulse”.The contents of this document are hereby incorporated by reference.

A brief discussion about correlated magnetics technology is providedfirst before a discussion is provided about multilevel correlatedmagnetic technology. Multiple example embodiments are further describedherein below. It should be understood that the section (subsection,etc.) headings are for informational purposes and the convenience of thereader only. They are not intended to be limiting. For example, somematerial described under one particular heading may be equally (or more)applicable to other heading(s). For instance, electricity generators mayalso be considered machines, and an exploding toy described withparticular reference to FIG. 27 may also be considered an energy storageunit. Furthermore, certain descriptive portions may have more or lessrelevance to a particular heading under which they may be found.

I. Correlated Magnetics Technology

This section is provided to introduce the reader to basic magnets andthe new and revolutionary correlated magnetic technology. This sectionincludes subsections relating to basic magnets, correlated magnets, andcorrelated electromagnetics. It should be understood that this sectionis provided to assist the reader with understanding the presentinvention, and should not be used to limit the scope of the presentinvention.

A. Magnets

A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field which isa vector field that has a direction and a magnitude (also calledstrength). Referring to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an exemplary magnet100 which has a South pole 102 and a North pole 104 and magnetic fieldvectors 106 that represent the direction and magnitude of the magnet'smoment. The magnet's moment is a vector that characterizes the overallmagnetic properties of the magnet 100. For a bar magnet, the directionof the magnetic moment points from the South pole 102 to the North pole104. The North and South poles 104 and 102 are also referred to hereinas positive (+) and negative (−) poles, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 2A, there is a diagram that depicts two magnets 100 aand 100 b aligned such that their polarities are opposite in directionresulting in a repelling spatial force 200 which causes the two magnets100 a and 100 b to repel each other. In contrast, FIG. 2B is a diagramthat depicts two magnets 100 a and 100 b aligned such that theirpolarities are in the same direction resulting in an attracting spatialforce 202 which causes the two magnets 100 a and 100 b to attract eachother. In FIG. 2B, the magnets 100 a and 100 b are shown as beingaligned with one another but they can also be partially aligned with oneanother where they could still “stick” to each other and maintain theirpositions relative to each other. FIG. 2C is a diagram that illustrateshow magnets 100 a, 100 b and 100 c will naturally stack on one anothersuch that their poles alternate.

B. Correlated Magnets

Correlated magnets can be created in a wide variety of ways depending onthe particular application as described in the aforementioned U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 12/123,718, 12/358,432, and 12/476,952 byusing a unique combination of magnet arrays (referred to herein asmagnetic field emission sources), correlation theory (commonlyassociated with probability theory and statistics) and coding theory(commonly associated with communication systems and radar systems). Abrief discussion is provided next to explain how these widely diversetechnologies are used in a unique and novel way to create correlatedmagnets.

Basically, correlated magnets are made from a combination of magnetic(or electric) field emission sources which have been configured inaccordance with a pre-selected code having desirable correlationproperties. Thus, when a magnetic field emission structure is broughtinto alignment with a complementary, or mirror image, magnetic fieldemission structure the various magnetic field emission sources will allalign causing a peak spatial attraction force to be produced, while themisalignment of the magnetic field emission structures cause the variousmagnetic field emission sources to substantially cancel each other outin a manner that is a function of the particular code used to design thetwo magnetic field emission structures. In contrast, when a magneticfield emission structure is brought into alignment with a duplicatemagnetic field emission structure then the various magnetic fieldemission sources all align causing a peak spatial repelling force to beproduced, while the misalignment of the magnetic field emissionstructures causes the various magnetic field emission sources tosubstantially cancel each other out in a manner that is a function ofthe particular code used to design the two magnetic field emissionstructures.

The aforementioned spatial forces (attraction, repelling) have amagnitude that is a function of the relative alignment of two magneticfield emission structures and their corresponding spatial force (orcorrelation) function, the spacing (or distance) between the twomagnetic field emission structures, and the magnetic field strengths andpolarities of the various sources making up the two magnetic fieldemission structures. The spatial force functions can be used to achieveprecision alignment and precision positioning not possible with basicmagnets. Moreover, the spatial force functions can enable the precisecontrol of magnetic fields and associated spatial forces therebyenabling new forms of attachment devices for attaching objects withprecise alignment and new systems and methods for controlling precisionmovement of objects. An additional unique characteristic associated withcorrelated magnets relates to the situation where the various magneticfield sources making-up two magnetic field emission structures caneffectively cancel out each other when they are brought out of alignmentwhich is described herein as a release force. This release force is adirect result of the particular correlation coding used to configure themagnetic field emission structures.

A person skilled in the art of coding theory will recognize that thereare many different types of codes that have different correlationproperties which have been used in communications for channelizationpurposes, energy spreading, modulation, and other purposes. Many of thebasic characteristics of such codes make them applicable for use inproducing the magnetic field emission structures described herein. Forexample, Barker codes are known for their autocorrelation properties andcan be used to help configure correlated magnets. Although, a Barkercode is used in an example below with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, otherforms of codes which may or may not be well known in the art are alsoapplicable to correlated magnets because of their autocorrelation,cross-correlation, or other properties including, for example, Goldcodes, Kasami sequences, hyperbolic congruential codes, quadraticcongruential codes, linear congruential codes, Welch-Costas array codes,Golomb-Costas array codes, pseudorandom codes, chaotic codes, OptimalGolomb Ruler codes, deterministic codes, designed codes, one dimensionalcodes, two dimensional codes, three dimensional codes, or fourdimensional codes, combinations thereof, and so forth.

Generally, the spatial force functions described herein may be inaccordance with a code, where the code corresponding to a code modulo offirst field emission sources and a complementary code modulo of secondfield emission sources. The code defines a peak spatial forcecorresponding to substantial alignment of the code modulo of the firstfield emission sources with the complementary code modulo of the secondfield emission sources. The code also defines a plurality of off peakspatial forces corresponding to a plurality of different misalignmentsof the code modulo of the first field emission sources and thecomplementary code modulo of the second field emission sources. Theplurality of off peak spatial forces have a largest off peak spatialforce, where the largest off peak spatial force is less than half of thepeak spatial force.

Referring to FIG. 3A, there are diagrams used to explain how a Barkerlength 7 code 300 can be used to determine polarities and positions ofmagnets 302 a, 302 b . . . 302 g making up a first magnetic fieldemission structure 304. Each magnet 302 a, 302 b . . . 302 g has thesame or substantially the same magnetic field strength (or amplitude),which for the sake of this example is provided as a unit of 1 (whereA=Attract, R=Repel, A=−R, A=1, R=−1). A second magnetic field emissionstructure 306 (including magnets 308 a, 308 b . . . 308 g) that isidentical to the first magnetic field emission structure 304 is shown in13 different alignments 310-1 through 310-13 relative to the firstmagnetic field emission structure 304. For each relative alignment, thenumber of magnets that repel plus the number of magnets that attract iscalculated, where each alignment has a spatial force in accordance witha spatial force function based upon the correlation function andmagnetic field strengths of the magnets 302 a, 302 b . . . 302 g and 308a, 308 b . . . 308 g. With the specific Barker code used, the spatialforce varies from −1 to 7, where the peak occurs when the two magneticfield emission structures 304 and 306 are aligned which occurs whentheir respective codes are aligned. The off peak spatial force, referredto as a side lobe force, varies from 0 to −1. As such, the spatial forcefunction causes the magnetic field emission structures 304 and 306 togenerally repel each other unless they are aligned such that each oftheir magnets are correlated with a complementary magnet (i.e., amagnet's South pole aligns with another magnet's North pole, or viceversa). In other words, the two magnetic field emission structures 304and 306 substantially correlate with one another when they are alignedto substantially mirror each other.

In FIG. 3B, there is a plot that depicts the spatial force function ofthe two magnetic field emission structures 304 and 306 which resultsfrom the binary autocorrelation function of the Barker length 7 code300, where the values at each alignment position 1 through 13 correspondto the spatial force values that were calculated for the thirteenalignment positions 310-1 through 310-13 between the two magnetic fieldemission structures 304 and 306 depicted in FIG. 3A. As the trueautocorrelation function for correlated magnet field structures isrepulsive, and most of the uses envisioned will have attractivecorrelation peaks, the usage of the term ‘autocorrelation’ herein willrefer to complementary correlation unless otherwise stated. That is, theinteracting faces of two such correlated magnetic field emissionstructures 304 and 306 will be complementary to (i.e., mirror images of)each other. This complementary autocorrelation relationship can be seenin FIG. 3A where the bottom face of the first magnetic field emissionstructure 304 having the pattern ‘S S S N N S N’ is shown interactingwith the top face of the second magnetic field emission structure 306having the pattern ‘N N N S S N S’, which is the mirror image (pattern)of the bottom face of the first magnetic field emission structure 304.

Referring to FIG. 4A, there is a diagram of an array of 19 magnets 400positioned in accordance with an exemplary code to produce an exemplarymagnetic field emission structure 402 and another array of 19 magnets404 which is used to produce a mirror image magnetic field emissionstructure 406. In this example, the exemplary code was intended toproduce the first magnetic field emission structure 402 to have a firststronger lock when aligned with its mirror image magnetic field emissionstructure 406 and a second weaker lock when it is rotated 90° relativeto its mirror image magnetic field emission structure 406. FIG. 4Bdepicts a spatial force function 408 of the magnetic field emissionstructure 402 interacting with its mirror image magnetic field emissionstructure 406 to produce the first stronger lock. As can be seen, thespatial force function 408 has a peak which occurs when the two magneticfield emission structures 402 and 406 are substantially aligned. FIG. 4Cdepicts a spatial force function 410 of the magnetic field emissionstructure 402 interacting with its mirror magnetic field emissionstructure 406 after being rotated 90°. As can be seen, the spatial forcefunction 410 has a smaller peak which occurs when the two magnetic fieldemission structures 402 and 406 are substantially aligned but onestructure is rotated 90°. If the two magnetic field emission structures402 and 406 are in other positions then they could be easily separated.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is a diagram depicting a correlating magnetsurface 502 being wrapped back on itself on a cylinder 504 (or disc 504,wheel 504) and a conveyor belt/tracked structure 506 having locatedthereon a mirror image correlating magnet surface 508. In this case, thecylinder 504 can be turned clockwise or counter-clockwise by some forceso as to roll along the conveyor belt/tracked structure 506. The fixedmagnetic field emission structures 502 and 508 provide a traction andgripping (i.e., holding) force as the cylinder 504 is turned by someother mechanism (e.g., a motor). The gripping force would remainsubstantially constant as the cylinder 504 moved down the conveyorbelt/tracked structure 506 independent of friction or gravity and couldtherefore be used to move an object about a track that moved up a wall,across a ceiling, or in any other desired direction within the limits ofthe gravitational force (as a function of the weight of the object)overcoming the spatial force of the aligning magnetic field emissionstructures 502 and 508. If desired, this cylinder 504 (or other rotarydevices) can also be operated against other rotary correlating surfacesto provide a gear-like operation. Since the hold-down force equals thetraction force, these gears can be loosely connected and still givepositive, non-slipping rotational accuracy. Plus, the magnetic fieldemission structures 502 and 508 can have surfaces which are perfectlysmooth and still provide positive, non-slip traction. In contrast tolegacy friction-based wheels, the traction force provided by themagnetic field emission structures 502 and 508 is largely independent ofthe friction forces between the traction wheel and the traction surfaceand can be employed with low friction surfaces. Devices moving aboutbased on magnetic traction can be operated independently of gravity forexample in weightless conditions including space, underwater, verticalsurfaces and even upside down.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is a diagram depicting an exemplary cylinder602 having wrapped thereon a first magnetic field emission structure 604with a code pattern 606 that is repeated six times around the outside ofthe cylinder 602. Beneath the cylinder 602 is an object 608 having acurved surface with a slightly larger curvature than the cylinder 602and having a second magnetic field emission structure 610 that is alsocoded using the code pattern 606. Assume, the cylinder 602 is turned ata rotational rate of 1 rotation per second by shaft 612. Thus, as thecylinder 602 turns, six times a second the first magnetic field emissionstructure 604 on the cylinder 602 aligns with the second magnetic fieldemission structure 610 on the object 608 causing the object 608 to berepelled (i.e., moved downward) by the peak spatial force function ofthe two magnetic field emission structures 604 and 610. Similarly, hadthe second magnetic field emission structure 610 been coded using a codepattern that mirrored code pattern 606, then 6 times a second the firstmagnetic field emission structure 604 of the cylinder 602 would alignwith the second magnetic field emission structure 610 of the object 608causing the object 608 to be attracted (i.e., moved upward) by the peakspatial force function of the two magnetic field emission structures 604and 610. Thus, the movement of the cylinder 602 and the correspondingfirst magnetic field emission structure 604 can be used to control themovement of the object 608 having its corresponding second magneticfield emission structure 610. One skilled in the art will recognize thatthe cylinder 602 may be connected to a shaft 612 which may be turned asa result of wind turning a windmill, a water wheel or turbine, oceanwave movement, and other methods whereby movement of the object 608 canresult from some source of energy scavenging. As such, correlatedmagnets enables the spatial forces between objects to be preciselycontrolled in accordance with their movement and also enables themovement of objects to be precisely controlled in accordance with suchspatial forces.

In the above examples, the correlated magnets 304, 306, 402, 406, 502,508, 604 and 610 overcome the normal ‘magnet orientation’ behavior withthe aid of a holding mechanism such as an adhesive, a screw, a bolt &nut, etc. . . . In other cases, magnets of the same magnetic fieldemission structure could be sparsely separated from other magnets (e.g.,in a sparse array) such that the magnetic forces of the individualmagnets do not substantially interact, in which case the polarity ofindividual magnets can be varied in accordance with a code withoutrequiring a holding mechanism to prevent magnetic forces from ‘flipping’a magnet. However, magnets are typically close enough to one anothersuch that their magnetic forces would substantially interact to cause atleast one of them to ‘flip’ so that their moment vectors align but thesemagnets can be made to remain in a desired orientation by use of aholding mechanism such as an adhesive, a screw, a bolt & nut, etc. . . .As such, correlated magnets often utilize some sort of holding mechanismto form different magnetic field emission structures which can be usedin a wide-variety of applications like, for example, a drill headassembly, a hole cutting tool assembly, a machine press tool, a grippingapparatus, a slip ring mechanism, and a structural assembly. Moreover,magnetic field emission structures may include a turning mechanism, atool insertion slot, alignment marks, a latch mechanism, a pivotmechanism, a swivel mechanism, or a lever.

C. Correlated Electromagnetics

Correlated magnets can entail the use of electromagnets which is a typeof magnet in which the magnetic field is produced by the flow of anelectric current. The polarity of the magnetic field is determined bythe direction of the electric current and the magnetic field disappearswhen the current ceases. Following are a couple of examples in whicharrays of electromagnets are used to produce a first magnetic fieldemission structure that is moved over time relative to a second magneticfield emission structure which is associated with an object therebycausing the object to move.

Referring to FIG. 7, there are several diagrams used to explain a 2-Dcorrelated electromagnetics example in which there is a table 700 havinga two-dimensional electromagnetic array 702 (first magnetic fieldemission structure 702) beneath its surface and a movement platform 704having at least one table contact member 706. In this example, themovement platform 704 is shown having four table contact members 706each having a magnetic field emission structure 708 (second magneticfield emission structures 708) that would be attracted by theelectromagnetic array 702. Computerized control of the states ofindividual electromagnets of the electromagnet array 702 determineswhether they are on or off and determines their polarity. A firstexample 710 depicts states of the electromagnetic array 702 configuredto cause one of the table contact members 706 to attract to a subset 712a of the electromagnets within the magnetic field emission structure702. A second example 712 depicts different states of theelectromagnetic array 702 configured to cause the one table contactmember 706 to be attracted (i.e., move) to a different subset 712 b ofthe electromagnets within the field emission structure 702. Per the twoexamples, one skilled in the art can recognize that the table contactmember(s) 706 can be moved about table 700 by varying the states of theelectromagnets of the electromagnetic array 702.

Referring to FIG. 8, there are several diagrams used to explain a 3-Dcorrelated electromagnetics example where there is a first cylinder 802which is slightly larger than a second cylinder 804 that is containedinside the first cylinder 802. A magnetic field emission structure 806is placed around the first cylinder 802 (or optionally around the secondcylinder 804). An array of electromagnets (not shown) is associated withthe second cylinder 804 (or optionally the first cylinder 802) and theirstates are controlled to create a moving mirror image magnetic fieldemission structure to which the magnetic field emission structure 806 isattracted so as to cause the first cylinder 802 (or optionally thesecond cylinder 804) to rotate relative to the second cylinder 804 (oroptionally the first cylinder 802). The magnetic field emissionstructures 808, 810, and 812 produced by the electromagnetic array onthe second cylinder 804 at time t=n, t=n+1, and t=n+2, show a patternmirroring that of the magnetic field emission structure 806 around thefirst cylinder 802. The pattern is shown moving downward in time so asto cause the first cylinder 802 to rotate counterclockwise. As such, thespeed and direction of movement of the first cylinder 802 (or the secondcylinder 804) can be controlled via state changes of the electromagnetsmaking up the electromagnetic array. Also depicted in FIG. 8 there is anelectromagnetic array 814 that corresponds to a track that can be placedon a surface such that a moving mirror image magnetic field emissionstructure can be used to move the first cylinder 802 backward or forwardon the track using the same code shift approach shown with magneticfield emission structures 808, 810, and 812 (compare to FIG. 5).

Referring to FIG. 9, there is illustrated an exemplary valve mechanism900 based upon a sphere 902 (having a magnetic field emission structure904 wrapped thereon) which is located in a cylinder 906 (having anelectromagnetic field emission structure 908 located thereon). In thisexample, the electromagnetic field emission structure 908 can be variedto move the sphere 902 upward or downward in the cylinder 906 which hasa first opening 910 with a circumference less than or equal to that ofthe sphere 902 and a second opening 912 having a circumference greaterthan the sphere 902. This configuration is desirable since one cancontrol the movement of the sphere 902 within the cylinder 906 tocontrol the flow rate of a gas or liquid through the valve mechanism900. Similarly, the valve mechanism 900 can be used as a pressurecontrol valve. Furthermore, the ability to move an object within anotherobject having a decreasing size enables various types of sealingmechanisms that can be used for the sealing of windows, refrigerators,freezers, food storage containers, boat hatches, submarine hatches,etc., where the amount of sealing force can be precisely controlled. Oneskilled in the art will recognize that many different types of sealmechanisms that include gaskets, o-rings, and the like can be employedwith the use of the correlated magnets. Plus, one skilled in the artwill recognize that the magnetic field emission structures can have anarray of sources including, for example, a permanent magnet, anelectromagnet, an electro-permanent magnet, an electret, a magnetizedferromagnetic material, a portion of a magnetized ferromagneticmaterial, a soft magnetic material, or a superconductive magneticmaterial, some combination thereof, and so forth.

II. Multilevel Correlated Magnetic Technology

Material presented herein describes a multilevel correlated magneticsystem and method for using the multilevel correlated magnetic system.It involves multilevel magnetic techniques related to those described inU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/476,952, filed Jun. 2, 2009, andU.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/277,214, titled “A System andMethod for Contactless Attachment of Two Objects”, filed Sep. 22, 2009,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/278,900, titled “A System andMethod for Contactless Attachment of Two Objects”, filed Sep. 30, 2009,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/278,767 titled “A System andMethod for Contactless Attachment of Two Objects”, filed Oct. 9, 2009,U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/280,094, titled “A System andMethod for Producing Multi-level Magnetic Fields”, filed Oct. 16, 2009,U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/281,160, titled “A System andMethod for Producing Multi-level Magnetic Fields”, filed Nov. 13, 2009,U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/283,780, titled “A System andMethod for Producing Multi-level Magnetic Fields”, filed Dec. 9, 2009,U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/284,385, titled “A System andMethod for Producing Multi-level Magnetic Fields”, filed Dec. 17, 2009,and U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/342,988, titled “A System andMethod for Producing Multi-level Magnetic Fields”, filed Apr. 22, 2010,which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Suchsystems and methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/322,561, filed Feb. 4, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.12/479,074, 12/478,889, 12/478,939, 12/478,911, 12/478,950, 12/478,969,12/479,013, 12/479,073, 12/479,106, filed Jun. 5, 2009, U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 12/479,818, 12/479,820, 12/479,832, and12/479,832, file Jun. 7, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/494,064, filed Jun. 29, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/495,462, filed Jun. 30, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/496,463, filed Jul. 1, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/499,039, filed Jul. 7, 2009, U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/501,425, filed Jul. 11, 2009, and U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/507,015, filed Jul. 21, 2009 are all incorporated by reference hereinin their entirety.

A. Introduction to Multilevel Correlated Magnetism

In accordance with one embodiment, the multilevel correlated magneticsystem includes a first correlated magnetic structure and a secondcorrelated magnetic structure each having a first portion comprising aplurality of complementary coded magnetic sources and each having asecond portion comprising one or more magnetic sources intended to onlyrepel or to only attract. The magnetic sources employed may be permanentmagnetic sources, electromagnets, electro-permanent magnets, orcombinations thereof. In accordance with another embodiment, bothportions of the two correlated magnetic structures may comprise aplurality of complementary coded magnetic sources. For both embodiments,when the first correlated magnetic structure is a certain separationdistance apart from the second correlated magnetic structure (i.e., at atransition distance), the multilevel correlated magnetic systemtransitions from either a repel mode to an attract mode or from anattract mode to a repel mode. Thus, the multilevel correlated magneticsystem has a repel level and an attract level.

The first portion of each of the two correlated magnetic structures,which has a plurality of coded magnetic sources, can be described asbeing a short range portion, and the second portion of each of the twocorrelated magnetic structures can be described as being a long rangeportion, where the short range portion and the long range portionproduce opposing forces that effectively work against each other. Theshort range portion produces a magnetic field having a higher near fielddensity and a lesser far field density than the magnetic field producedby the long range portion. Because of these near field and far fielddensity differences, the short range portion produces a higher peakforce than the long range portion yet has a faster field extinction ratesuch that the short range portion is stronger than the long rangeportion at separation distances less than the transition distance andweaker than the long range portion at separation distance greater thanthe transition distance, where the forces produced by two portionscancel each other when the two correlated magnetic structures areseparated by a distance equal to the transition distance. Thus, thefirst and second portions of the two correlated magnetic structuresproduce two opposite polarity force curves corresponding to theattractive force versus the separation distance between the twocorrelated magnetic structures and the repulsive force versus theseparation distance between the two correlated magnetic structures.

In accordance with another embodiment, the first (short range) portionsof the two correlated magnetic structures produce an attractive forceand the second (long range) portions of the two correlated magneticstructures produce a repulsive force. With this arrangement, as the twocomplementary structures are brought near each other they initiallyrepel each other until they are at a transition distance, where theyneither attract nor repel, and then when they are brought togethercloser than the transition distance they begin to attract strongly,behaving as a “snap.” With this embodiment, the attraction curve isshorter range but its peak force is stronger than the longer rangerepulsive force curve.

In accordance with still another embodiment, the polarities of the forcecurves are reversed with the shorter range, but stronger peak forcecurve being repulsive and the longer range but weaker peak force curvebeing attractive. With this arrangement, the two structures attract eachother beyond the transition distance and repel each other when withinthe transition distance, which results in the two correlated magneticstructures achieving a contactless attachment where they are locked inrelative position and in relative alignment yet they are separated bythe transition distance.

In one embodiment, the short range portion and the long range portion ofthe multi-level correlated magnetic system could both produce attractiveforces to produce correlated magnetic structures having both a strongnear field attractive force and a strong far field attractive force,where the transition point corresponds to a point at which the twoattractive force curves cross. Similarly, the short range portion andthe long range portion could both produce repulsive forces to producecorrelated magnetic structures having both a strong near field repulsiveforce and a strong far field repulsive force, where the transition pointcorresponds to a point at which the two repulsive force curves cross.

In accordance with a further embodiment, the two correlated magneticfield structures are attached to one or more movement constrainingstructures. A movement constraining structure may only allow motion ofthe two correlated magnetic structures to or away from each other wherethe two correlated magnetic structures are always parallel to eachother. The movement constraining structure may not allow twisting (orrotation) of either correlated magnetic field structure. Similarly, themovement constraining structure may not allow sideways motion.Alternatively, one or more such movement constraining structures mayhave variable states whereby movement of the two correlated magneticstructures is constrained in some manner while in a first state but notconstrained or constrained differently during another state. Forexample, the movement constraining structure may not allow rotation ofeither correlated magnetic structure while in a first state but allowrotation of one or both of the correlated magnetic structures while inanother state.

One embodiment comprises a circular correlated magnetic structure havingan annular ring of single polarity that surrounds a circular area withinwhich resides an ensemble of coded magnetic sources. Under onearrangement corresponding to the snap behavior, the ensemble of codedmagnetic sources would generate the shorter range, more powerful peakattractive force curve and the annular ring would generate the longerrange, weaker peak repulsive force curve. Under a second arrangementcorresponding to the contactless attachment behavior, these roles wouldbe reversed.

In another embodiment, the configuration of the circular correlatedmagnetic structure would be reversed, with the coded ensemble of codedmagnetic sources occupying the outer annular ring and the inner circlebeing of a single polarity. Under one arrangement corresponding to thesnap behavior, the ensemble of coded magnetic sources present in theouter annular ring would generate the shorter range, more powerful peakattractive force curve and the inner circle would generate the longerrange, weaker peak repulsive force curve. Under a second arrangementcorresponding to the contactless attachment behavior, these roles wouldbe reversed.

In a further embodiment, an additional modulating element that producesan additional magnetic field can be used to increase or decrease thetransition distance of a multilevel magnetic field system 1000.

If one or more of the first portion and the second portion isimplemented with electromagnets or electro-permanent magnets then acontrol system could be used to vary either the short range force curveor the long range force curve.

The spatial force functions described herein can be designed to allowmovement (e.g., rotation) of at least one of the correlated magneticstructures of the multilevel correlated magnetic system to vary eitherthe short range force curve or the long range force curve.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown an exemplary multilevel correlatedmagnetic system 1000 that comprises a first correlated magneticstructure 1002 a and a second magnetic structure 1002 b. The firstcorrelated magnetic structure 1002 a is divided into an outer portion1004 a and an inner portion 1006 a. Similarly, the second correlatedmagnetic structure 1002 b is divided into an outer portion 1004 b and aninner portion 1006 b. The outer portion 1004 a of the first correlatedmagnetic structure 1002 a and the outer portion 1004 b of the secondcorrelated magnetic structure 1002 b each have one or more magneticsources having positions and polarities that are coded in accordancewith a first code corresponding to a first spatial force function. Theinner portion 1006 a of the first correlated magnetic structure 1002 aand the inner portion 1006 b of the second correlated magnetic structure1002 b each have one or more magnetic sources having positions andpolarities that are coded in accordance with a second code correspondingto a second spatial force function.

Under one arrangement, the outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b each comprise aplurality of magnetic sources that are complementary coded so that theywill produce an attractive force when their complementary (i.e.,opposite polarity) source pairs are substantially aligned and which havea sharp attractive force versus separation distance (or throw) curve,and the inner portions 1006 a, 1006 b also comprise a plurality ofmagnetic sources that are anti-complementary coded such that theyproduce a repulsive force when their anti-complementary (i.e., samepolarity) source pairs are substantially aligned but have a broader,less sharp, repulsive force versus separation distance (or throw) curve.As such, when brought into proximity with each other and substantiallyaligned the first and second correlated magnetic field structures 1002a, 1002 b will have a snap behavior whereby their spatial forcestransition from a repulsive force to an attractive force. Alternatively,the inner portions 1006 a, 1006 b could each comprise multiple magneticsources having the same polarity orientation or could each beimplemented using just one magnetic source in which case a similar snapbehavior would be produced.

Under another arrangement, the outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b eachcomprise a plurality of magnetic sources that are anti-complementarycoded so that they will produce a repulsive force when theiranti-complementary (i.e., same polarity) source pairs are substantiallyaligned and which have a sharp repulsive force versus separationdistance (or throw) curve, and the inner portions 1006 a, 1006 b alsocomprise a plurality of magnetic sources that are complementary codedsuch that they produce an attractive force when their complementary(i.e., opposite polarity) source pairs are substantially aligned buthave a broader, less sharp, attractive force versus separation distance(or throw) curve. As such, when brought into proximity with each otherand substantially aligned the first and second correlated magnetic fieldstructures 1002 a, 1002 b will have a contactless attachment behaviorwhere they achieve equilibrium at a transition distance where theirspatial forces transition from an attractive force to a repulsive force.Alternatively, the outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b could each comprisemultiple magnetic sources having the same polarity orientation or couldeach be implemented using just one magnetic source in which case asimilar contactless attachment behavior would be produced.

For arrangements where both the outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b and theinner portions 1006 a, 1006 b comprise a plurality of coded magneticsources, there can be greater control over their response to movementdue to the additional correlation. For example, when twisting onecorrelated magnetic structure relative to the other, the long rangeportion can be made to de-correlate at the same or similar rate as theshort rate portion thereby maintaining a higher accuracy on the lockposition. Alternatively, the multilevel correlated magnetic system 1000may use a special configuration of non-coded magnetic sources, as isdiscussed in detail in U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No.12/885,450 (filed Sep. 18, 2010) entitled “MULTILEVEL CORRELATEDMAGNETIC SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING SAME”.

FIG. 11 depicts a multilevel transition distance determination plot1100, which plots the absolute value of a first force versus separationdistance curve 1102 corresponding to the short range portions of the twocorrelated magnetic structures 1002 a, 1002 b making up the multilevelmagnetic field structure 1000, and the absolute value of a second forceversus separation distance curve 1104 corresponding to the long rangeportions of the two correlated magnetic structures 1002 a, 1002 b. Thetwo curves cross at an transition point 1106, which while the twocorrelated magnetic structures 1002 a, 1002 b approach each othercorresponds to a transition distance 1108 at which the two correlatedmagnetic structures 1002 a, 1002 b will transition from a repel mode toan attract mode or from an attract mode to a repel mode depending onwhether the short range portions are configured to attract and the longrange portions are configured to repel or vice versa.

B. Example Implementation Arrangements for Multilevel Magnetism

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a multilevel magnetic fieldstructure 1000 having first and second correlated magnetic structures1002 a, 1002 b that each have outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b havingmagnetic sources in an alternating positive-negative pattern and eachhave inner portions 1006 a, 1006 b having one positive magnetic source.As such, the first and second magnetic field structures 1002 a, 1002 bare substantially identical. Alternatively, the coding of the twocorrelated magnetic structures 1002 a, 1002 b could be complementary yetnot in an alternating positive-negative pattern in which case the twostructures 1002 a, 1002 b would not be identical.

FIG. 13A depicts yet another embodiment of a multilevel magnetic fieldstructure 1000 having first and second correlated magnetic structures1002 a, 1002 b that each have inner portions 1006 a, 1006 b havingmagnetic sources in an alternating positive-negative pattern and eachhave outer portions 1004 a, 1004 b having one negative magnetic source.As such, the first and second magnetic field structures 1002 a, 1002 bare identical but can be combined to produce a short range attractiveforce and a long range repulsive force.

FIG. 13B depicts an alternative to the correlated magnetic structure1002 b of FIG. 13A which is almost the same except the outer portion1004 b has a positive polarity. The two correlated magnetic structures1002 a, 1002 b can be combined to produce a short range repulsive forceand a long range attractive force.

FIG. 13C depicts yet another alternative to the correlated magneticstructure 1002 a of FIG. 13A, where the correlated magnetic structure1002 a is circular and the coding of the inner portion 1006 a does notcorrespond to an alternating positive-negative pattern. To complete themultilevel magnetic field system 1000, a second circular correlatedmagnetic structure 1002 b would be used which has an inner portion 1006b having complementary coding and which has a outer portion 1006 bhaving the same polarity as the outer portion 1006 a of the firstcircular correlated magnetic field structure 1002 a.

C. Additional Example Embodiments for Multilevel Correlated Magnetism

In one aspect, certain embodiments may provide a multilevel correlatedmagnetic system, comprising: (a) a first correlated magnetic structureincluding a first portion which has a plurality of coded magneticsources and a second portion which has one or more magnetic sources; (b)a second correlated magnetic structure including a first portion whichhas a plurality of complementary coded magnetic sources and a secondportion which has one or more magnetic sources; (c) wherein the firstcorrelated magnetic structure is aligned with the second correlatedmagnetic structure such that the first portions and the second portionsare respectively located across from one another; and (d) wherein thefirst portions each produce a higher peak force than the second portionswhile the first portions each have a faster field extinction rate thanthe second portions such that (1) the first portions produce a magneticforce that is cancelled by a magnetic force produced by the secondportions when the first and second correlated magnetic structures areseparated by a distance equal to a transition distance, (2) the firstportions produce a stronger magnetic force than the magnetic forceproduced by the second portions when the first and second correlatedmagnetic structures have a separation distance from one another that isless than the transition distance, and (3) the first portions have aweaker magnetic force than the magnetic force produced by secondportions when the separation distance between the first and secondcorrelated magnetic structures is greater than the transition distance.

In another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a momentary snapswitch, comprising: (a) a snap multilevel correlated magnetic systemhaving: (i) a first correlated magnetic structure including a firstportion which has a plurality of coded magnetic sources and a secondportion which has one or more magnetic sources; (ii) a second correlatedmagnetic structure including a first portion which has a plurality ofcomplementary coded magnetic sources and a second portion which has oneor more magnetic sources; and (iii) the first correlated magneticstructure is aligned with the second correlated magnetic structure suchthat the first portions and the second portions are respectively locatedacross from one another; and (b) a repulsive device attached to thefirst correlated magnetic structure; (c) a first contact attached to thefirst correlated magnetic structure; (d) a second contact that contactsthe first contact when the first correlated magnetic structure is apredetermined distance from the second correlated magnetic structure;and (e) a spacer to prevent the first correlated magnetic structure fromcompletely contacting the second correlated magnetic structure.

In yet another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a cushioningdevice comprising: (a) a female component including a first correlatedmagnetic structure including a first portion which has a plurality ofcoded magnetic sources and a second portion which has one or moremagnetic sources; and (b) a male component including a second correlatedmagnetic structure including a first portion which has a plurality ofcomplementary coded magnetic sources and a second portion which has oneor more magnetic sources; (c) the first correlated magnetic structure isaligned with the second correlated magnetic structure such that thefirst portions and the second portions are respectively located acrossfrom one another; (d) the female component is movably positioned overthe male component; and (e) a spacer to prevent the first correlatedmagnetic structure from completely contacting the second correlatedmagnetic structure.

In still yet another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a device(e.g., exploding toy, trigger) comprising: (a) a first correlatedmagnetic structure including a first portion which has a plurality ofcoded magnetic sources and a second portion which has one or moremagnetic sources; (b) a second correlated magnetic structure including afirst portion which has a plurality of complementary coded magneticsources and a second portion which has one or more magnetic sources; (c)the first correlated magnetic structure is aligned with the secondcorrelated magnetic structure such that the first portions and thesecond portions are respectively located across from one another; (d) aspacer to prevent the first correlated magnetic structure fromcompletely contacting the second correlated magnetic structure; and (e)the spacer is sized such that if the first and second correlatedmagnetic structures are attached to one another and then if a force isapplied to the first correlated magnetic structure or to the secondcorrelated magnetic structure then this causes the first and secondcorrelated magnetic structures to repel each other.

In yet another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a multi-levelmagnetic system comprising: (a) a correlated magnetic structureincluding a first portion which has a plurality of coded magneticsources and a second portion which has one or more magnetic sources; and(b) a magnetic structure having a first portion with a first polarityand a second portion with a second polarity.

In still yet another aspect, certain embodiments may provide a methodfor using a multilevel correlated magnetic system. The method comprisingthe steps of: (a) providing the multilevel correlated magnetic systemhaving: (1) a first correlated magnetic structure including a firstportion which has a plurality of coded magnetic sources and a secondportion which has one or more magnetic sources; (2) a second correlatedmagnetic structure including a first portion which has a plurality ofcomplementary coded magnetic sources and a second portion which has oneor more magnetic sources; (b) aligning the first correlated magneticstructure with the second correlated magnetic structure such that thefirst portions and the second portions are respectively located acrossfrom one another; and (c) wherein the first portions each produce ahigher peak force than the second portions while the first portions eachhave a faster field extinction rate than the second portions such that(1) the first portions produce a magnetic force that is cancelled by amagnetic force produced by the second portions when the first and secondcorrelated magnetic structures are separated by a distance equal to atransition distance, (2) the first portions produce a stronger magneticforce than the magnetic force produced by the second portions when thefirst and second correlated magnetic structures have a separationdistance from one another that is less than the transition distance, and(3) the first portions have a weaker magnetic force than the magneticforce produced by second portions when the separation distance betweenthe first and second correlated magnetic structures is greater than thetransition distance.

III. Electricity Generation/Scavenging

Electricity may be generated and/or scavenged using, for example, atleast one solenoid and one or more programmed magnets. FIGS. 14A-14Cdepict an example electrical generator apparatus that is capable ofgenerating electricity based on the movement of at least one field coilwith respect to at least one multi-pole magnetic structure (e.g.,programmed magnet) printed into a magnetized material. Referring to FIG.14A, multiple poles 1404, or maxels 1404, are shown as having beenprogrammed around the perimeter of a round magnetizable material 1402.Maxels 1404 of one polarity are shown with plus (“+”) indications, andmaxels 1404 of an opposite polarity are shown with a minus (“−”)indication. As such, whenever a field coil is moved relative to themagnetizable material and the maxels thereof, electricity may begenerated. More specifically, electricity may be generated when a coilmoves from a positive polarity maxel to a negative polarity maxel and/orvice versa.

FIG. 14B shows a programmed magnet 1402 in conjunction with one or morecoils 1410. As shown, one or multiple coils 1410 may be used on eitherside of the programmed magnet 1402, where the programmed magnet 1402 canbe moved or the coils 1410 may be moved or some combination thereof thatinvolves moving both to some degree.

An example embodiment may include a monopole field coil where one poleof a solenoid is in proximity to alternating magnetic polaritiesprovided by one side of a programmed magnetizable material. Yet anotherembodiment may include a second solenoid in proximity to alternatingmagnetic polarities provided by a second side of a programmedmagnetizable material. A solenoid may comprise a coil of a conductor(e.g., wire(s), trace(s), plate(s), etc.) that surrounds a core. Such acore may comprise air, a metal, a vacuum, any combination thereof, andso forth. It should be noted that a magnetizable material may bepatterned (e.g., printed, constructed, or otherwise formed) with maxelsof differing polarities that do not necessarily alternate. Otherpatterns (e.g., codes generally, correlative codes, random placement,etc.) may alternatively be used.

FIG. 14C shows how a core 1422 (e.g., a metal) can extend from a coil1410 next to a maxel 1404 a to an adjoining maxel 1404 b. Implementingsuch a coil may increase an amount of electricity being generated. InFIG. 14C, one polarity is depicted with white oval maxels, and anopposite polarity is depicted with shaded oval maxels. Anotherembodiment may include a magnetic circuit from a backside of a solenoidconnecting to an adjacent maxel where the coil may extend between bothof the two magnetic poles. Alternatively, two solenoids may be connectedin series or in parallel between two such magnetic poles. Such methodsmay be employed with coils on either side of (or both sides of) aprogrammed magnet.

Although magnetizable material (e.g., of programmed magnet 1402) isshown in FIGS. 14A and 14B to be round, one skilled in the art willrecognize that different shapes of magnetizable material andcorresponding patterns of maxels can be employed as appropriate toaccommodate different types of movement. Examples of such movements mayinclude, but are not limited to, circular movement, partial circularmovement, linear movement, or any definable, predictable, and/or randommovement relative to maxels of a printed (or programmed) magnet.

For an example embodiment, generator devices may be designed to workwith relatively slowly moving objects, for example a wind mill, withoutrequiring the gears that are currently being used in order to achieveadequate power generation.

For certain example embodiments, an IQ (e.g., inphase (I) and inquadrature (Q)) power generation device may be built so as to includemovement of field coils relative to a plurality of magnetic fieldsources (e.g., printed maxels, conventional magnets, combinationsthereof, and so forth) where one or more pairs of field coils are each90 degrees out of phase with respect to a spacing of the magnetic fieldsources.

In an example embodiment, an IQ motor may include a substantially equalnumber of solenoids (e.g., mono or bipolar solenoids) that are at leastapproximately equally-coupled to a load and that are positioned inphase(I) and in quadrature (Q) with respect to magnetic sources (e.g., themaxels or conventional magnets forming at least part of a patternedmagnetic structure). The separate (e.g., I & Q) circuits may thus bedriven with sine and cosine functions to produce relatively low-rippletorque (e.g., substantially constant torque).

In accordance with an example embodiment, a so-called slow-motor may beproduced such that I and Q portions are excited with a 90 degree phaseshift to permit “full” torque to be generated, for example from astationary condition up to a highest speed at which it can work. Thisapproach may provide directional control by selecting which coil (e.g.,of any two coils) is sine and which is cosine. This approach may furtherprovide relatively fine control over an angular position, whetherrotating or stationary, at a resolution that is finer than the magnetpole spacing. One set (e.g., pair) of IQ coils is sufficient to beemployed for such a motor, but multiple sets may instead be appliedacross a surface of a magnet structure in order to create a desiredamount of torque for a given application.

In accordance with certain example embodiments, a spacing betweenmagnetic sources (e.g., maxels) may be tuned for Inphase and Quadratureapplications. For instance, a spacing between centers of adjacentmagnetic sources may be approximately equal to a width of each suchmagnetic source. Hence, printing maxels may provide a finer level ofcontrol and/or precision as compared to using discrete magnetic sources.Furthermore, an inner set and an outer set may be implemented in whicheach is offset by approximately one-half a maxel. During relativemovement between coil(s) and at least one magnetic structure,transitions between two maxels generate power, and it may do so for eachpair of opposite poles. When generating power through a sine wave withone-quarter offset spacing, the resulting electrical power may berelatively constant because when one is going down, the other is goingup.

FIG. 14D depicts a portion of an exemplary round programmed magnet 1402having three magnetic elements 1404 a-1404 c that have been magneticallyprinted on the perimeter of the programmed magnet 1402. The magneticelements 1404 a-1404 c have an alternating polarity pattern of +−+. Afirst coil 1410 a on the front side of the programmed magnet asrepresented by a bolded circle is positioned to align with the firstmagnetic element 1404 a while a second coil 1410 b on the back side ofthe programmed magnet as represented by a dashed bolded circle ispositioned half-way between the first magnetic element 1404 a and thesecond magnetic element 1404 b. One skilled in the art of generatorswill understand that the sinusoidal output of a given coil will cycle360° from the first magnetic element 1404 a to the third magneticelement 1404 c. As such, the relative positions of the first coil 1410 ato the second coil 1410 b represent a 90 degree out of phaserelationship.

Movement used to generate electricity using an electrical generationapparatus in accordance with certain embodiments may be via a hand(e.g., a crank or shaking), wind, waves, or any other movement wherethere is differential motion. For example, FIG. 15A depicts anelectrical generator apparatus comprising a buoy 1502, a shaft 1504, apivot apparatus 1506, and a magnetizable material 1402, which may beshaped similarly to a bowl and which may have a pattern of maxelsprogrammed into it, and one or more coils 1410. Such an electricalgenerator apparatus may produce electricity regardless of the movementof buoy 1502 due to waves because coil 1410 may be continuously moved(e.g., randomly or not) across the maxels (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15B)in the magnetizable material 1402. Generally, all sorts of similarand/or analogous devices may be employed to capture, scavenge, orotherwise generate electricity based on known or random movement wherebythe movement of one or more coils relative to maxels is leveraged.Example implementation environments may include, but are not limited to,clothing, bags/backpacks, shoes, cars, bikes, portable electronics,locations/facilities with steam or other heat-induced movements, anycombination thereof, and so forth.

FIG. 15B depicts an example curved structure 1402 that may be employedin the electrical generator of FIG. 15A. For example, maxels 1404 may beformed so as to line an interior of curved structure 1402. Such maxelformation may involve constructing discrete maxels and co-locating themto be adjacent to one another, may involve printing maxels using amagnetizing printer (e.g., as described further herein below withparticular reference to FIGS. 19A-20). A pattern of maxels used in suchelectrical generation devices may comprise, by way of example but notlimitation, alternating polarities or coded polarities. Coded versionsmay be particularly useful, for example, to match a load that isperiodic or aperiodic.

In accordance with an example embodiment, electric motors may be builtin which their conventional coils are replaced by substantially flatinductor cores, such as high voltage inductor coils that are describedfor use by a magnetizing circuit employed to program a magnetizablematerial. Such an example approach to programming a magnetizablematerial via printing with a magnetizing circuit is described furtherherein below with particular reference to FIGS. 19A-20.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a brake system mayinclude magnets on a rotor where there is at least one solenoid on oneor both sides of the rotor. In operation, pressing a brake pedalactivates the one or more solenoids to dissipate energy in the rotor tothereby slow a vehicle down. Such a brake system may also include aconventional friction-based brake that engages at, for instance, lowspeeds. The magnetic portion of the brake system can thereby generateelectricity whenever it is engaged. The generated electricity may becollected and stored (e.g., in a battery system).

Similarly, a shock absorber (e.g., of a vehicle) may be provided powergeneration capabilities in which the shock absorber utilizes two magnetsand a spacer (e.g., such as a cushioning device as described below withparticular reference to FIGS. 17A-17C) and one or more other magneticsources and corresponding coil(s) to generate electricity. FIG. 16depicts such an example shock absorber that can generate electricitywhile absorbing shocks using multi-level magnetism (e.g., in thecushioning portion).

FIG. 16 depicts an example of a cushioning device 1602 and a coil 1410around a magnet 1604 that is surrounding a shaft 1608 of a shockabsorber, where the shaft may be attached to a frame of a vehicle (notshown). In an example embodiment, the shock absorber has powergeneration capabilities. The example shock absorber may utilize acushioning device 1602 (which may include two magnets and a spacer) andone or more other magnets 1604 and corresponding coils 1410 to generateelectricity. As shown, the shock absorber has one shaft 1606 attached toone end of cushioning device 1602, and at another end there is attachedshaft 1608 which has a magnet 1604 present thereat (e.g., surrounding atleast a portion of it) and a coil 1410 surrounding magnet 1604.

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate an example cushioning device 1700. Cushioningdevice 1602 (of FIG. 16) may be realized in accordance with, forexample, cushioning device 1700. FIG. 17A depicts a female component1702 of example magnetic cushioning device 1700, wherein the femalecomponent 1702 may include a magnet 1002 and a space 1706. FIG. 17Bdepicts a male component 1704 (e.g., piston 1704) of the examplemagnetic cushioning device 1700, wherein the male component 1704 mayinclude a magnet 1004. FIG. 17C depicts an assembled version of theexample magnetic cushioning device 1700 in which the female component1702 (e.g, including magnet 1002 and spacer 1706) is movably positionedover the male component 1704 (e.g., including magnet 1004).

The magnetic cushioning device 1700 may thus include two magnets 1002and 1004 plus spacer 1706, which together may produce a multi-levelrepel snap behavior that has a repeatable hysteresis behavior. However,because it is not being implemented as a switch here, the magneticcushioning device 1700 of FIGS. 17A-17C does not require circuitry for aswitch. It instead acts much like a shock absorber that utilizesmagnetism instead of a spring. The magnetic cushioning device 1700 canbe used for all sorts of applications that use a spring for cushioning,including, by way of example but not limitation, beds such as home bedsor hospital beds; seats or backs of chairs in a home, an airplane, avehicle, a race car, a bus, a train, etc.; shock absorbers for vehicles;bumpers for vehicles; protective shielding for vehicles; and the like.Unlike a spring, however, where the force of the spring continues toincrease as an external force is applied, the magnetic cushioning device1700 may exhibit a peak repel force and then a reduction in the repelforce as the magnets 1002 and 1004 move together until held apart by thespacer 1706. The spacer 1706 can be attached to either one of themagnets 1002 and 1004, or otherwise positioned therebetween.

FIG. 18 depicts a flow diagram 1800 illustrating example methodsrelating to electrical generating apparatuses. As shown, flow diagram1800 may include five stages/operations 1802-1810, plus twostages/operations 1802 a and 1802 b. Although stages/operations areshown in a particular order in flow diagram 1800, embodiments may beperformed in different orders and/or with one or more stages/operationsfully or partially overlapping with other stage(s)/operation(s).Moreover, a different number of operations (e.g, more or fewer) mayalternatively be implemented.

For certain example embodiments, at stage/operation 1802, a patternedmagnetic structure that includes magnetic sources having differentpolarities disposed on a single side and that generates a magnetic fieldvia the magnetic sources may be formed. For example, at least twomagnetic sources having both positive and negative magnetic polarityrepresentation may be formed on a single side of a magnetic structure(e.g., a multipolar magnetic structure may be created). Atstage/operation 1802 a, multiple maxels (having different polarities)may be printed on a single side of a magnetizable material. Suchprinting of magnetic elements (or maxels) effectively embeds (e.g.,infuses, grows, or otherwise creates) a “new” magnetic polarity in themagnetizable material. Examples approaches to printing maxels aredescribed herein below with particular reference to FIGS. 19A-20. Atstage/operation 1802 b, a coded magnetic structure may be constructedusing discrete magnets such that different polarities are present on asingle side of the coded magnetic structure.

At stage/operation 1804, a conductive coil that is capable ofinteracting with the magnetic field may be provided. For example, aconductive coil having multiple turns (e.g., around a core) may beprovided. Such a conductive coil may be capable of entering and/orleaving (fully and/or partially) the magnetic field generated by themagnetic structure and experiencing electrical current as a result.

At stage/operation 1806, an apparatus that enables the magnetizedstructure and the coil to move relative to each other with the coilcapable of moving within the generated magnetic field may beconstructed. For example, a rotational movement apparatus (e.g., asshown in FIG. 14B), a random movement apparatus (e.g., as shown in FIG.15A), apparatuses with other available movements, combinations thereof,and so forth may be constructed.

At stage/operation 1808, the apparatus may be positioned so as to causea force to be applied to at least one of the coil or the magnetizedstructure so that they move relative to each other. For example, theapparatus of FIG. 14B may be positioned such that a force (e.g., wind,steam, etc.) turns magnetic structure 1402. Alternatively, the apparatusof FIG. 15A may be positioned such that wave motion moves buoy 1502 suchthat coil 1410 is moved relative to magnetic structure 1402.

At stage/operation 1810, energy may be collected via electrical currentgenerated in the coil responsive to the relative movement between atleast the coil and the magnetized structure. For example, electricalcurrent may be detected/measured, electricity may be stored (e.g., in abattery or other storage system), electricity may be forwarded (e.g.,transmitted to another location), some combination thereof, and soforth, just to name a few examples.

IV. Magnetizing Printer and Magnetizer Print Head

FIG. 19A depicts an example magnetizing printer 1900. For an exampleembodiment, magnetizing printer 1900 may include a movement handler 1902and a magnetizer print head 1904. In operation, magnetizing printer 1900may print maxels 1404 on a magnetizable structure 1402. As shown,movement handler 1902 is capable of moving magnetizer print head 1904around magnetizable structure 1402, which may remain fixed. However,movement handler 1902 may alternatively be capable of movingmagnetizable structure 1402 while magnetizer print head 1904 is fixed.Furthermore, movement handler 1902 may be capable of moving bothmagnetizable structure 1402 and magnetizing print head 1904 in order toprint maxels 1404 at desired locations.

Example embodiments for magnetizing printers 1900 are described inco-pending U.S. Nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 12/476,952,filed 2 Jun. 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein. Example monopolar magnetizing circuits and bipolarmagnetizing circuits are shown and described. Circular conductors thatmay be used to produce at least one high voltage inductor coil are alsoshown and described. Magnetizing inductors from round wires, flat metal,etc. are shown and described. Other example aspects for printing maxelsonto magnetizable materials are disclosed in the aforementionedapplication Ser. No. 12/476,952.

FIG. 19B depicts a flow diagram 1950 illustrating example methodsrelating to magnetizing printers. As shown, flow diagram 1950 mayinclude six stages/operations 1952-1962. Although stages/operations areshown in a particular order in flow diagram 1950, embodiments may beperformed in different orders and/or with one or more stages/operationsfully or partially overlapping with other stage(s)/operation(s).Moreover, a different number of operations (e.g, more or fewer) mayalternatively be implemented.

More specifically, flow diagram 1950 depicts an example patternedmagnetic structure manufacturing method. A patterned magnetic structuremay comprise multiple different magnetic polarities on a single side. Apatterned magnetic structure may include magnetic sources thatalternate, that are randomized, that have predefined codes, that havecorrelative codes, some combination thereof, and so forth. The magneticsources may be discrete ones that are combined/amalgamated to form atleast part of a magnetic structure, may be integrated ones that areprinted onto a magnetizable material to create a patterned magneticstructure, some combination thereof, and so forth. For certain exampleembodiments, at a stage/operation 1952, a pattern corresponding to adesired force function may be determined. A desired force function maycomprise, for example, a spatial force function, an electromotive forcefunction, a force function that provides for many different transitionsbetween positive and negative polarities (and vice versa) with respectto a proximate coil that is in motion relative thereto, some combinationthereof, and so forth.

At stage/operation 1954, a magnetizable material may be provided to amagnetizing apparatus (e.g., to a magnetizing printer 1900). Atstage/operation 1956, a magnetizer (e.g., a magnetizing print head 1904)of the magnetizing apparatus and/or the magnetizable material (e.g.,magnetizable structure 1402) to be magnetized may be moved so that adesired location on the magnetizable material can be magnetized inaccordance with the determined pattern. At stage/operation 1958, adesired source location on the magnetizable material may be magnetizedsuch that the source has the desired polarity, field amplitude (orstrength), shape, and/or size (e.g., area on the magnetizable material),or some combination thereof, etc. as defined by the pattern. Atstage/operation 1960, it may be determined whether additional magneticsources remain to be magnetized. If there are additional sources to bemagnetized, then the flow diagram may return to stage/operation 1956.Otherwise, at stage/operation 1962, the magnetizable material (which isnow magnetized in accordance with the determined pattern) may be removedfrom the magnetizing apparatus.

FIG. 20 depicts an example design of multiple layers of a magnetizerprint head 1904. As noted above, examples of such a head of a magneticprinter has been described in U.S. application Ser. No. 12/476,952. Inone example implementation as described herein, a magnetizing printerhead 1904 may be substantially circular with a diameter of approximately16 mm and a central hole of approximately 3 mm. Generally, each layermay be relatively thin. By way of example but not limitation, forcertain example embodiments, each metallic (e.g., copper) layer may bemanufactured to be as thin as is feasible. By one example standard, eachlayer may be made as thin as is possible so long as it is still capableof handling a current that is to be applied during magnetization withoutexperiencing damage (e.g., without coming apart during use). By way ofexample only, metal (e.g., Cu) layers 2002 having a thickness ofapproximately 0.015 inches, and insulating layers 2004 (e.g., of Kapton)having a thickness of approximately 0.001 inches may be employed in amagnetizing printer head 1904. In another example implementation,instead of soldering the layers, the layers may be welded (e.g., tigwelded), which may make them more durable.

In accordance with one example implementation for creating a magnethaving multiple magnet polarities on a single side, a magnetic structuremay be produced by magnetizing one or more magnetic sources having afirst polarity onto a side of a previously magnetized magnet having anopposite polarity. Alternatively, a magnetizing printer can be used tore-magnetize a previously-magnetized material having one polarity perside (e.g., originally) and having multiple sources with multiplepolarities per side (e.g., afterwards). For example, a checkerboardpattern (e.g., alternating polarity sources) may be magnetized onto anexisting magnet such that the remainder of the magnet (e.g., the nonre-magnetized portion) acts as a bias. In another example, a pattern(e.g., including a code) other than a checkerboard pattern may be usedto magnetize an existing magnet such that the remainder of the magnet(e.g., the non re-magnetized portion) acts as a bias.

In accordance with other example approaches for forming magneticstructures, a containment vessel may act as a mold for receivingmagnetizable material while in a moldable form. Such a containmentvessel may serve both as a mold for shaping the material and also as aprotective device to provide support to the resulting magnetic structureso as to prevent breakage, deformation, etc. If the magnetizablematerial is to be sintered, the containment vessel may comprise amaterial, e.g., titanium, that can withstand the heat used to sinter themagnetizable material. Should a binder be used to produce the magnetswith the mold/containment vessel, other forms of material, such as ahard plastic may be used for the mold/containment vessel. Generally,various types of molds may be used to contain magnetizable material andmay be used later to support and protect the magnetic structure (e.g.,with coding or other patterning) once the material it contains has beenmagnetized.

V. Adaptable/Adjustable Correlated Magnetic Devices

For certain example embodiments, coded magnetic structures may bedesigned to enable selection of the magnetic force between them. In onecircularly and/or radially coded arrangement, codes enable a forcebetween two magnetic structures to be selected by rotating a firststructure to different possible alignment positions, where each positioncan correspond to a different amount of force between the two structures(e.g., whether the force is strong, medium, weak, attractive, repellant,combinations thereof, etc.).

FIG. 21 depicts two example coded magnetic structures 2102 and 2104 eachhaving eight radial arms 2106 of five magnet sources 2108 each about acentral point 2110. A code 2112 is shown in eight columns in two sets offive rows each, which together correspond to the coding of the fortymagnetic sources 2108 that are included in each of the two magneticstructures 2102 and 2104. The rightmost magnetic structure 2104 may beplaced over the leftmost magnetic structure 2102 such that when plussymbols (of the magnetic sources 2108) are located over plus symbols orwhen minus symbols are located over minus symbols an attract forceresults, given that the bottom of a plus symbol is a minus symbol (andvice versa). Hence, a minus over a plus or vice versa represents a repelforce. For an example implementation as illustrated, a peak force of 40may be produced when the structures are aligned as depicted in the lowerright corner. By rotating the right magnetic structure 2104 relative tothe left magnetic structure 2102 in rotations of 22.5 degrees, the forcemay be changed from 40 to 0 to 28 to 0 to 24 to 0 to 28 to 0 and back to40. The relative ratios are shown as 1, 0.7, 0, and 0.6, and they wouldthen reverse (0, 0.7, 0, and then 1).

Many alternative variations to the described example embodiments mayalso be implemented in which the magnetic sources 2102 and 2104 are notround (e.g., they may be rectangular, oval, octagonal, etc.) and inwhich the number of magnetic sources 2108 within each radial arm 2106may be vary, the source strengths and/or polarities may vary, the numberof radial arms may vary, any combination thereof, and so forth. But,generally, by selective cancellation of forces (or lack of suchcancellation), a user of a device can select an amount of force producedbetween two magnetic structures 2102 and 2104. One skilled in the artwill also recognize that similar magnetic structures can be producedusing linear or other non-circular structures. Below are several otherexample codes for circular magnetic structures that enable magnets to berotated in order to select a desired force. However, claimed subjectmatter is not limited to any particular coding set.

72 16 12 36 8 12 52 12 4 28 4 12 52 12 8 36 12 16 1 .22 .17 0.5 .11 .17.72 .17 .06 .39 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −11 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1−1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1−1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 48 20 16 12 24 40 4 24 12 16 20 1 0.4 0.3 .25 0.5 0.1 0 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 11 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 −1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 60 16 12 36 4 0 20 0 4 etc. 1 .27.2 .6 .07 0 .33 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1−1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 72 28 24 4816 12 32 12 16 48 24 28 1 .39 .33 .67 .22 .17 .44 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 11 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 −11 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1−1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 −1−1 −1 −1 52 36 32 28 24 20 16 20 24 28 32 36 1 .69 .62 .54 .46 .38 .31 11 1 1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 −1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 11 1 1 1 1 36 0 0 28 0 0 24 0 0 28 0 0 1 0.8 0.7 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1−1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1−1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 28 0 0 20 0 0 16 0 0 200 0 1 0.7 0.6 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1−1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −11 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 −1 1 1 −1 1 1 11 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

In accordance with other embodiment(s), codes may be implemented usingsymbols that are themselves defined by a code. For example, a Barkerseven code has been described as +1 +1 +1 −1 −1 +1 −1. However, each ofthe +1's of the code may be replaced by a different symbol (e.g., aBarker 3 code of +1 +1 −1 or any other desired coding). For instance,the corresponding symbol (e.g., −1 in this example) may be replaced witha complementary symbol (e.g., the complementary Barker 3 code of −1 −1+1 in this example). As such, the Barker 7 code can become, for example,+1 +1 −1 +1 +1 −1 +1 +1 −1 −1 −1 +1 −1 −1 +1 +1 +1 −1 −1 −1 +1. As analternative example, the +1 and −1 symbols may be replaced by +1 +1 +1and −1 −1 −1, respectively, to produce a resulting Barker 7 code of +1+1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 +1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 −1 +1 +1 +1 −1 −1 −1. One skilledin the art of coding will recognize that all sorts of nested levels ofcodes may be employed to achieve desired correlation properties or otherproperties.

For certain example embodiments, coding density may be used to producemagnetic fields over different areas having different throws, where theforce curve properties over the different areas can be used to conveyinformation and/or to effect how two objects interact. Referring to FIG.22A, a square shaped material 2200 is magnetized to include an 8×8 arrayof maxels in each of four quarters labeled Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Themaxels of each of the four arrays have four different code densities asshown on the left. Specifically, the four quarters Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4have code densities of 2, 4, 16, and 64, respectively. As such, thethrows of the four quarters are reduced as code density increases asdepicted on the right by the four arrows having four different sizes.Moreover, one skilled in the art will recognize that by increasing thecode density, although the throw decreases, the peak attractive (orrepulsive) force at the surface between two complementary codedstructures is likewise increased. A shortest path effect is describedfurther herein below.

Referring to FIG. 22B, a magnetic structure 2202 is depicted havingseven regions each having a respective coding density intended toproduce force characteristics above each region corresponding to aBarker 7 code, whereas the larger throw regions may be considered tocorrespond to a +1 and the smaller throw regions may be considered tocorrespond to a −1 (or vice versa). Three different levels, L1, L2, andL3 are also shown.

As such, reading from left to right at a level 1 (e.g., L1) height abovethe structure 2202, a sensor (e.g., a hall-effect sensor) can detectfield strengths corresponding to the Barker 7 code. Such coding may bebarely detectable at a level 2 (e.g., L2) height above the structure2202, while only the +1 bits (but not the −1 bits) are barely detectableat a level 3 (e.g., L3) height above the structure 2202. Generally, oneskilled in the art will recognize that all sorts of one-, two-, andthree-dimensional codes can be implemented whereby the rotationalorientation, the translational orientation, and/or the height above astructure determine how information is conveyed.

FIG. 22C depicts two example circular magnetic structures 2204 and 2206coded with varying code densities so that their magnetic force throws2214 and 2216, respectively, vary about their circumference. As such,when one structure 2204 is rotated relative to the other structure 2206,it can cause movement of the other structure 2206 that is determinedbased on the interaction of the their magnetic fields 2214 and 2216,which as depicted can have any desired shape. One skilled in the artwill recognize that such coding can be used to achieve desired torque orother force properties between two or more coded magnetic structures.

In example embodiments, a correlated magnetic structure may be producedby magnetizing magnetic sources having a first polarity onto a side of apreviously-magnetized magnet having an opposite polarity. Moregenerally, a magnetizer/magnetizing printer can be used to re-magnetizea previously-magnetized material having one polarity per side or havingmultiple sources having multiple polarities per side. Under one examplearrangement, a checkerboard pattern (e.g., alternating polarity sources)may be magnetized onto an existing magnet such that the remainder of themagnet (e.g., the non re-magnetized portion) acts as a bias. Underanother example arrangement, a pattern (including a code) other than acheckerboard pattern may be used to magnetize an existing magnet suchthat the remainder of the magnet (e.g., the non re-magnetized portion)acts as a bias.

For certain example embodiments, a correlated magnetic structure may becoded so as to be self-complementary. A self-complementary correlatedmagnetic structure may correlate with and align with a duplicatestructure. For example, a structure may have a first portion opposite asecond portion in which a coding of the first portion is complementaryto a coding of the second portion. An analogy for such coding is that ofidentical twin brothers. If they face each other and place their handsflat against each other's hands such that the left hand of each twin isflat against a right hand of the other, it could be said that theirhands are self complementary.

FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C depict three example self-complementarycorrelated magnetic structures. Referring to FIG. 23A, the top two rows2302 are complementary to the bottom two rows 2304. Referring to FIGS.23B and 23C, the left halves 2306 are complementary to the right halves2308. Generally, self-complementary structures are capable of attachingto identical structures. Self-complementary correlated magneticstructures enable, for example, a person to reach into a box that isfull of them and pull out two that are complementary, without checkingor looking for identifying data. Self-complementary structures may befabricated in different shapes and/or using different coding than thoseexamples that are illustrated.

However, structures may furthermore be nearly self-complementary, exceptthat they include one or more magnetic sources that are different insome manner to serve some useful purpose. The different sources may beby way of exclusion, addition, substitution, any combination thereof,and so forth. In FIG. 23D, a magnetic source 2310 is depicted as adashed circle. Two nearly self-complementary structures might beintended to attach to each other where one used a negative source wherethere is depicted a dashed circle and the other used a positive sourcewhere there is depicted a dashed circle.

For certain example embodiments, correlated magnetic structures may bedesigned such that they are capable of attaching at different rotationalalignments. FIG. 24A depicts two structures 2402 a and 2402 b that areadapted to attach at any of six rotational alignments (e.g., every 60degrees). FIG. 24B depicts two structures 2404 a and 2404 b that areadapted to attach at any of four rotational alignments (e.g., every 90degrees). Correlated magnetic structures that are adapted to be attachedat different predetermined rotational alignments may be fabricated indifferent shapes and/or using different coding than those examples thatare illustrated.

For an example embodiment, another coding arrangement for complementarymagnetic structures is provided. FIG. 25 shows an example codingarrangement for complementary magnetic structures 2502 a and 2502 b. Asillustrated, different polarities are positioned at alternatingconcentric rings. Although shown with hexagons, concentric codingarrangements, for example, may be fabricated in different shapes and/orusing different coding than those examples that are illustrated.

VI. Entertainment Devices

Many different types of entertainment devices can be created and/orimproved using magnetic technologies that are described herein. By wayof example only, correlated magnets may be applied to structures used inentertainment environments. Entertainment environments may include, byway of example but not limitation, gaming environments, gamblingenvironments, combinations thereof, and so forth.

FIG. 26 depicts example gambling devices that may be based, at leastpartly, on correlated magnetics technology. Generally, any object mayhave correlated magnetic structures embedded within, attached thereto,or otherwise applied therewith. Such correlated magnetic structures maybe applied to one or more surfaces of such an object enabling it to actas a gaming piece that can correlate with and attach to (or fail tocorrelate with or attach to) another object or surface depending atleast partly on whether the coding of the correlated magnetic structuresare complementary (or not). In FIG. 26, four example shapes 2602 areshown by way of example only. These four shapes are a buckyball 2602 b,a cube 2602 c, a pyramid 2602 p, and a sphere 2602 s. To illustrate anexample, pyramid 2602 p includes at least one correlated magneticstructure 2604 shown on at least one side.

In certain example embodiments, one or more sides of three-dimensionalobjects may have coded magnets and corresponding identifiers (e.g.,numbers, colors, etc.). Other objects and/or a surface (e.g., a gamingtable) may have coded magnets for which a particular side of a giventhree-dimensional object correlates and therefore attaches (e.g., ifaligned properly) or otherwise repels. In an example operative playmode, one or more three-dimensional objects are put into motion and thenrepel against a surface and/or other objects until achieving attraction(e.g., due to magnetic correlation) with another object and/or asurface. The identifiers relating to the correlated objects may be usedto decide who wins.

In an example implementation, a buckyball type object (e.g., buckyball2602 b) may have multiple correlated magnetic structures on one or moreof its surfaces. It can be rolled across a surface and/or put into playwith other objects having magnetic structures. They then repel orattract/attach based at least partly on their respective magnetic codes.The ones that stick together may be used to determine a winner, butother types of gambling devices, games, rules, etc. can alternativelydecide a winner when, e.g., objects repel. Correlated magneticbuckyballs can be used, for example, in a gambling game where the sidesof the buckyballs are uniquely coded such that they repel unless codedsides align and correlate so that they attach. Identifiers (e.g.,numbers, colors, dots, symbols, alphanumeric characters generally, etc.)on the attached (or unattached) balls can then indicate winning results(e.g., with numbers like in a bingo game or roulette wheel). Similarly,a roulette wheel may be configured such that the game can last muchlonger (and thus be more suspenseful) because the ball has to correlateto attach and come to rest, or it otherwise is repelled out of a givenslot.

FIGS. 27A and 27B depict an example device that can be used to produceexploding devices (e.g., toys) and the like and/or can be used to storeenergy. FIGS. 27A and 27B depict two magnets 2702 and 2704 coded to havemulti-level repel and snap behavior and having a spacer 2706 in betweenthem with an attract layer 2710 and a repel layer 2712. A force 2714 canbe applied on one side to overcome the repel force so the two magnets2702 and 2704 snap together with the spacer 2706 in between them. Afterthey are snapped together, if a force 2716 is applied to a side of atleast one of the magnets, say magnet 2702 for example, that causes thatmagnet 2702 to pivot on the spacer 2706 then such force 2716 causes themagnets 2702 and 2704 to repel each other (e.g., explode apart orotherwise separate).

Thus, with such an example arrangement, a force 2714 may be applied toovercome a repel force such that magnets 2702 and 2704 snap togetherwith a spacer 2706 in between them. A force 2716 that is applied to atleast one side of at least one magnet 2702 and/or 2704 causes at leastone magnet to pivot on the spacer 2706, thereby causing the magnets 2702and 2704 to repel each other and separate. This arrangement provides arelatively unstable device that remains together until it receives animpact or other force of some sort that causes the two magnets 2702 and2704 to fly apart or otherwise separate energetically (e.g., much likean explosion). As such, various types of toys (e.g., exploding toys thatcan reflect a crash, that can simulate damage, etc. for walls, cars,tanks, etc.), triggers, and so forth can be produced that employ such adevice. The size, thickness, shape, and other aspects of the spacer 2706can be varied to determine the degree of instability of the device, aswell as adjusting coding arrangements for the multilevel magnetism. Sucha device can also serve as a form of energy storage whereby a relativelyhigh degree of force can be released with relatively little appliedforce.

In other example implementations, an external force may be applied to atleast one magnetic structure making up a multi-level device with theexternal force resulting from a change of heat, pressure, or some otherexternal factor, besides mere physical force. For example, a bimetallicstrip connected to a multilevel device may be used to produce a desiredhysteresis of a thermostat or of a fire suppression system triggerdevice. Alternatively, pressure may cause a multilevel device totransition from a closed position to an open position, whichclosed-to-open transition may enable gas to escape a vessel or otherconfined space.

FIGS. 28-32 depict example aspects of a game that may utilize correlatedmagnetic structures. FIG. 28 depicts an example game apparatus 2802.Game apparatus 2802 may include a top platform 2804 and a bottomplatform 2806. As shown, a game is being played by building one or morecolumns between the top platform 2804 and the bottom platform 2806 usinggame pieces 2808. The bottom platform 2806 may include and/or besupported by a lazy susan apparatus to facilitate rotating gameapparatus 2802 to various players (not shown).

FIGS. 29A and 29B show views of top platform 2804 and bottom platform2806, respectively. Each platform 2804 and 2806 includes multipleplatform attachment points 2902 (less than all are indicated in thefigures to avoid clutter). Although five platform attachment points 2902are shown to support up to five players, more or fewer may alternativelybe included. Furthermore, platform attachment points 2902 may be placedin different locations. In a game, game pieces 2808 are coupled usingmagnets (e.g., correlated magnets) to build a column from top platform2804 down to bottom platform 2806 (or from bottom platform 2806 up totop platform 2804). Although not reflected in the black and whitefigures, each player's game pieces 2808 and/or corresponding platformattachment points 2902 may be color-coded (e.g., red, green, blue,yellow, and orange). Such example coloring is reflected in FIGS. 29A,29B, 30A, and 30B using numerals in place of colors.

In an example implementation, the top platform 2804 is where a playerstarts the game with his or her respective color. The objective is tomake it down to the player's respective color on the bottom platform2806 using the corresponding game pieces 2808 (e.g., of FIGS. 28 and32). In doing so, there will likely be hurdles that will have to beovercome in order to succeed. For instance, the ending point may not beright under the starting point. Nevertheless, a player is to find his orher way down and over to the respective color (e.g., by any meansnecessary).

FIGS. 30A and 30B illustrate an example implementation enabling a degreeof customization. The top platform 2804 and the bottom platform 2806 asshown in FIGS. 29A and 29B are reproduced here to illustrate an examplelayout for platform attachment points 2902. However, the platformattachment points 2902 may be rearranged on the top platform 2804 and/orthe bottom platform 2806 to make a game more interesting, more fun, moreequal for players of different skills, and so forth. The platformattachment points 2902 may be arranged, for instance, so as to make iteasier on one player and more challenging on another. An examplerearrangement is shown at the top platform 2804* and the bottom platform2806*. The platform attachment points 2902 may connect to the topplatform 2804 and/or the bottom platform 2806 using, for example, amagnetic mechanism that enables such rearrangements.

FIG. 31 illustrates an example game situation 3100 using atwo-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional gamingenvironment. In this example game situation 3100, each player hascompleted a column 3102 from a platform attachment point 2902 of the topplatform 2804 to a platform attachment point 2902 of the bottom platform2806 (or vice versa). The correlated magnets of the game pieces 2808(e.g., of FIGS. 28 and 32) enable many different types, locations,angles, etc. of attachment. Game situation 3100 illustrates some of whatall can happen while playing. There are few if any limitations tocreating a column with game pieces 2808, whether a player has started atthe top platform 2804 to build a stalactite or has started at the bottomplatform 2806 to create a stalagmite. If another player's pieces get inyour way, then use your own to go around them. A player can wiggle andweave around anyone to complete his or her column 3102 to win the game.

FIG. 32 illustrates some example game pieces 2808. Each player may havemultiple shapes, lengths, sizes, etc. of game pieces 2808. Side orperspective views and front views of various different game pieces 2808are shown. However, a game may alternatively include more, fewer, and ordifferent kinds of game pieces 2808 than those that are shown. Gamepieces 2808 may have one or more correlated magnetic structures (notshown) on their ends and/or sides in various combinations. Thecorrelated magnetic structures may have various combinations of codessuch that some will attach while others will not. Correlated magneticstructures may also be configured such that the game pieces 2808 arecapable of attaching to each other at one or more predeterminedangles/rotations (e.g., 60 and 90 degrees).

VII. Shortest Path Effect (SPE)

As described herein above, recent pioneering innovations involvemagnetic structures having designs based, for example, on signalcorrelation and coding theory. Such innovations enable magnetic forcesto be precisely controlled to achieve desired alignments, couplingforces, release force characteristics, etc. and to produce uniquemagnetic identities to control how these magnetic structures interact.Example implementations of such magnetic structures, which may bereferred to as correlated magnetic structures and/or coded magnets, mayexhibit magnetic field behavior that enables them to be stronger thanconventional magnets yet much safer because they can have less far fieldstrength. This magnetic field behavior is the result of what can betermed a “shortest path effect”.

FIGS. 33-35 depict different magnetic structures that illustrate exampleaspects of a shortest path effect. FIG. 33 depicts complementary-codedmagnet structures 3302 (3302 a and 3302 b) and complementary magnetstructures 3304 (3304 a and 3304 b). Each of the two structures 3302 and3304 has two halves (a and b) with each half having nineteen magneticsources arranged into a hexagonal shape. The complementary-coded magnetstructures 3302 may be referred to as Yin-Yang coding due to theirsimilarity to a Yin Yang symbol. The complementary magnet structures3304 have all the same magnet polarities on each half 3304 a and 3304 b,which emulates conventional magnets. Because the same types of (e.g.,discrete) magnets were used to produce the complementary-coded magnetstructures 3302 and the complementary magnet structures 3304, they canserve as a mechanism to directly compare characteristics of correlatedmagnetic structures having sources with mixed polarities with thecharacteristics of conventional magnets.

When comparing the complementary-coded magnet structures 3302 and thecomplementary magnet structures 3304, it becomes apparent that it takessignificantly more pull force to separate the two halves of thecomplementary-coded magnet structures 3302 than the pull force requiredto separate the two halves of the complementary magnet structures 3304.Tensile force measurements indicated that it took about twice the pullforce, for an example prototype, to separate the complementary-codedmagnet structures 3302 than it took to separate the complementary magnetstructures 3304. Similarly, shear force measurements indicated that ittook about twice the shear force to separate the complementary-codedmagnet structures 3302 as it did to separate the complementary magnetstructures 3304.

A visual comparison of the magnetic fields of the two magneticstructures 3302 and 3304 using magnetic viewing film reveals a ratherdramatic difference in the magnetic field characteristics. Based onvisual comparisons of magnetic field characteristics of thecomplementary-coded magnet structures 3302 and the complementary magnetstructures 3304, it is clear that the magnetic structures having sourceswith mixed polarities (e.g., the complementary-coded magnet structures3302) have a relatively higher near field density but a relatively lowerfar field density as compared to conventional magnets (e.g., asrepresented by the complementary magnet structures 3304). In order tobetter understand this difference in magnetic field behavior, magneticfield simulation experiments may be performed.

FIG. 34 depicts two discrete magnets 3402 and 3404 that are positionedadjacent to each other. Magnets 3402 and 3404 are arranged such thatopposite polarities are adjacent to one another. FIG. 34 also depicts asimplified representation of a portion of a magnetic field 3406emanating from magnet 3402. It should be understood that an actualmagnetic field simulation for magnets 3402 and 3404 would besignificantly more complex. For example, an actual magnetic fieldincludes magnetic forces that extend through magnets 3402 and 3404. Asshown, the presence of a “South” polarity of magnet 3404 next to a“North” polarity of magnet 3402 causes magnetic field portion 3406 to beeffectively warped or bent downward from the North polarity of magnet3402 to the South polarity of magnet 3404.

More generally, the field vectors of the two pairs of magnets 3402 and3404 would have a relatively large amount of the magnetic field exitingthe North polarity end of magnet 3402 and “immediately” entering theSouth polarity end of the adjacent magnet 3404. This “shortest patheffect” may be analogized to a field density plot (not shown) thatresembles an arc across a pair of electrical contacts. Thus, a shortestpath effect may be described as being akin to a magnetic short thatcorresponds to an electrical short. The two ends of each magnet of themagnet pair 3402/3404 create some additional field density between thetwo pairs of magnets. There may also be a null area between the twopairs of magnets 3402 and 3404 where the fields appear to cancel eachother. As a result of a shortest path effect, there may be significantlyless far field density and/or significantly more near field density.

A shortest path effect has been described in the preceding paragraphsprimarily in relation to discrete magnets. However, it is alsoapplicable to maxels that are “printed” on a magnetizable material.Example embodiments for such a magnetizing printer are described hereinabove in a section entitled “Magnetizing Printer and Magnetizer PrintHead”. FIG. 35 depicts two complementary correlated magnetic structures3502 a and 3502 b that may be created from maxels that are printed usinga magnetizing print head.

Each maxel in the two coded magnets 3502 a and 3502 b was magnetized thesame (e.g., same size and field strength) (except for polarity), ashortest path effect is evident by virture of maxels showing anincreased magnetic field strength when in proximity to maxels having anopposite polarity orientation. The magnetic field strength of a givenmaxel relative to the magnetic field strength of the other maxels isdirectly attributable to a shortest path effect occurring or not betweenany two adjacent maxels.

Referring to FIG. 35, two different pairs of complementary maxels 3504and 3406 are identified by arrows. Specifically, the left mostidentified maxel 3504 in the top coded magnet 3502 a is complementary tothe right most maxel 3504 identified in the bottom coded magnet 3502 b.The right most identified maxel 3506 in the top coded magnet 3502 a iscomplementary to the left most maxel 3506 identified in the bottom codedmagnet 3502 b. Each of the four identified maxels 3504 and 3506 hashigher field strengths than other maxels. Generally, the intensity issubstantially the same for both maxels for any given complementary pairof maxels 3504 and/or 3506. Maxels 3504 and 3506 have or experiencerelatively more shortest path effects (as compared to other maxels) dueto their being in proximity to relatively more other maxels having anopposite polarity. For instance, maxels 3506 are surrounded by fivemaxels (out of a maximum possible six maxels in the illustrated examplecoding arrangement) that have an opposite magnetic polarity.

Generally, field strengths of each field source in a coded magnet may bevaried relatively precisely. So, by taking into account shortest patheffect characteristics as described herein as well as coding principles,the field strengths of field sources can be varied to produce consistentfield measurements across a coded magnet to a desired level.

In example implementations, a shortest path effect is shown to increasewith the number of maxels having an opposite polarity orientation thatare adjacent to a given maxel. In other words, the greater the number ofadjacent opposite polarity magnetic sources in a coded magnet, thegreater the near field density and the lesser the far field density thatmay be generated due to a corresponding greater amount of shortest patheffect. Thus, there is a scalability aspect of a shortest path effect.Increasing a number (or density) of adjacent opposite polarity maxels ina coded magnet results in an increase of the peak attractive force andalso an increase in the rate of decay of the attractive force withseparation distance between two magnetic structures. Consequently,appropriately configured coded magnets can produce a magnet pair havinga stronger yet safer characteristic. Furthermore, such a characteristicis scalable to a large extent due to more and more occurrences of ashortest path effect as a number of maxels having physically-adjacent,but opposite polarity, maxels is increased.

An analogous situation with respect to potential energy, as compared tomagnetic field forces, can be determined and/or established for codedmagnets relative to conventional magnets. More specifically,investigation and integration of the available energy of coded magnetsshows that their potential force at distances near to the surface isgreater than that of conventional magnets. Such a result can beunderstood by noting that the combination of adjacent opposite polaritymaxels results in an increase in the net field flux at certain placeswithin the coded magnetic structure. This effect leads to both a largerconcentration of the energy near the surface of a coded magnet and asharp decline in the energy as the distance away from that surfaceincreases. The total amount of potential energy is not being changed bythe coding magnets. Instead, such potential energy is being concentratedinto the near field, and it therefore does not extend as significantlyinto the far field.

FIG. 36 depicts a flow diagram 3600 illustrating example methods forhandling a shortest path effect in conjunction with patterned magneticstechnology. As shown, flow diagram 3600 may include fivestages/operations 3602-3610. Although stages/operations are shown in aparticular order in flow diagram 3600, embodiments may be performed indifferent orders and/or with one or more stages/operations fully orpartially overlapping with other stage(s)/operation(s). Moreover, adifferent number of operations (e.g, more or fewer) may alternatively beimplemented.

For certain example embodiments, at stage/operation 3602, a targeted setof magnetic characteristics may be ascertained. For example, a shape, afield strength, a field pattern, a size, interactive behavior, a nearvs. far field density/strength, any combination thereof, etc. for acoded magnet may be ascertained based, for instance, on projectspecifications.

At stage/operation 3604, a coded magnet configuration may be formulatedresponsive to the targeted set of magnetic characteristics. For example,a number of magnetic sources, a size of an overall magnetic structure, asize or sizes of individual magnetic sources, a layout of such sources,field strengths of individual magnetic sources, polarities of magneticsources, a code of such sources, any combination thereof, etc. may beformulated.

At stage/operation 3606, magnetic field properties of the formulatedcoded magnet configuration may be modeled based, at least partly, onshortest path effect. Such modeling may account for the “warping” of amagnetic field due to adjacent magnetic source(s) having oppositepolarities. Such modeling may further or instead account for any of theconsequential aspects of a shortest path effect that arise betweenand/or among such magnetic sources as described herein above. Forexample, magnet field(s) resulting from the formulated coded magnetconfiguration may be simulated. Such a simulation may be performedthrough testing using physical materials, through electronic modeling,combinations thereof, and so forth.

Formulating in accordance with stage/operation 3604 and/or modeling inaccordance with stage/operation 3606 may be performed, for example, in afully or partially overlapping manner. They may be performed,additionally and/or alternatively, in an iterative fashion, such as byrepeating formulating and modeling stages until a targeted set ofmagnetic characteristics is achieved, as represented by arrow 3612. Anyone or more of at least stages/operations 3602, 3604, or 3606 may beimplemented at least partially using a special purpose computing device.For example, one or more processors may be configured by instructionsstored by one or more memories to execute such instructions and performone or more of stages/operations 3602, 3604, or 3606.

At stage/operation 3608, a coded magnetic structure may be built based,at least in part, on the formulated coded magnet configuration. Forexample, a coded magnetic structure may be built in accordance with theformulated magnet configuration after some level of verification viamodeling that such configuration is capable of at least meeting thetargeted set of magnetic characteristics. As described further herein,such building may include constructing a coded magnetic structure fromdiscrete magnetic sources, may include printing maxels onto magnetizablematerial, some combination thereof, and so forth.

At stage/operation 3610, the coded magnetic structure may be installedin an operational apparatus. By way of example only, the coded magneticstructure may be installed (e.g., added to, incorporated into, etc.) oneor more of any of the example apparatuses and devices that are describedherein (e.g., an energy collecting device in accordance with FIG. 14,15, or 16; an adjustable correlated magnetic device in accordance withFIG. 21; a complex machine in accordance with FIG. 37; a magneticfoldable frame system in accordance with FIG. 39; those apparatuses thatare otherwise listed/illustrated/described; combinations thereof; and soforth).

In an example implementation, consideration of a shortest path effectmay enable creation of magnets having different near and far fieldstrengths. By way of example only, a first portion of each of twomagnetic structures can be described as being a short range portion, andthe second portion of each of the two magnetic structures can bedescribed as being a long range portion, where the short range portionand the long range portion produce opposing forces that effectively workagainst each other. The short range portion produces a magnetic fieldhaving a higher near field density and a lesser far field density thanthe magnetic field produced by the long range portion. Because of thesenear field and far field density differences, the short range portionproduces a higher peak force than the long range portion yet has afaster field extinction rate such that the short range portion isstronger than the long range portion at separation distances less than atransition distance and weaker than the long range portion at separationdistances greater than the transition distance, where the forcesproduced by the two portions cancel each other when the two magneticstructures are separated by a separation distance equal to thetransition distance.

Coded magnetic structures, whether printed coded magnets or codedmagnetic structures formed from discrete individual magnets, may havetheir characteristics tuned by a shortest path effect that occursbetween adjacent magnetic sources having opposite polarity. A shortestpath effect may result in an increase in a magnetic field density in anear field and a decrease in the magnetic field density in a far field.Such magnetic field behavior can enable coded magnetic structures to bedesigned, in certain example implementations, to be stronger yet saferthan conventional magnets while using the same amount, shape, and/orgrade of magnetizable material.

VIII. Example Machines

For certain example embodiments, an ability to vary forces between twomagnetic structures in a, e.g., non-linear manner may be enabled byvarying their relative alignment and/or via multi-level magnetism thatvaries as a function of separation distance. These approaches can enablenew types of simple machines that relate, for instance, to the sixclassical simple machines (e.g., the lever, the wheel and axle, thepulley, the inclined plane, the wedge, and the screw). Generally, newnon-linear design dimensions enable force characteristics to be variedfor given distances and alignments. Furthermore, new types of “complex”machines may be created based on combinations of new “simple” machines.FIG. 37 depicts an example complex machine 3700 employing a magneticforce component.

More specifically, FIG. 37 depicts an example complex machine 3700involving a bar 3702 having one end pivoting on a surface 3704 and apulley 3706 on an opposite end from which a weight 3708 is suspended viaa rope 3710 or the like. At a point along the bar 3702, a force 3712 isapplied by a magnetic force component 3714, which may be two or moremagnetic structures coded to produce a desired force versus distancecurve. By using different magnetic structures having different forceversus distances curves (i.e., force curves), different functionalitiesof the complex machine 3700 can be produced. For example, if a forcecurve is programmed that exhibits a sinusoidal function with extension,then the force on the weight 3708 will be linear over the range in whichthat curve is accurate, which simulates the effect of a relatively longspring.

IX. Additional Example Implementations

Multiple additional example implementations are described in thissection with particular reference to FIGS. 38-42. Described first areFIGS. 38A-38E, which depict example magnetic dzus devices.

More specifically, for certain example embodiments, FIGS. 38A and 38Bdepict an exemplary coded magnet Dzus connector 3800 (in three differentparts or phases of combination) comprising a male portion 3802 and afemale portion 3804. The female portion 3804 has a lip 3806 surroundingcylinder 3808 having an opening 3810 (or hole 3810) within which themale portion 3802 can be inserted. A coded magnet 3812 may be located atthe bottom of the cylinder 3808. The male portion 3802 has a top 3814that marries up with the lip 3806 of the female portion 3804 wheninserted. The male portion 3802 has a complementary coded magnet 3816 atthe bottom thereof that attaches to the coded magnet 3812 of the femaleportion 3804 when aligned and easily detaches when rotated out ofalignment. The lip 3806 of the female portion 3804 and/or the top 3814of the male portion 3802 can also or alternatively comprise coded oruncoded magnets, depending on how the Dzus connectors 3800 are to beused.

Under an example arrangement shown in FIG. 38C, the female portion 3804may be attached to one side of a first piece of a material 3820 (e.g., apiece of metal 3820) about a hole in the material. The male portion 3802can pass through a corresponding hole in a second piece of material 3822(e.g., another piece of metal 3822) and then through the hole in thefirst piece of material 3820 such that the two coded magnets 3812 and3816 interact so as to hold together the two pieces of material 3820 and3822. The reverse approach can also be employed where the male portion3802 is instead inserted through a hole in a first piece of material3822 and then a second piece of material 3820 and then capped by afemale portion 3804 to hold together the two pieces of materials 3820and 3822. Under an example alternative arrangement shown in FIG. 38D,the female portion 3804 may be inserted through a first piece ofmaterial 3820 and then the male piece 3802 may be inserted through asecond piece of material 3822 and into the female portion 3804 such thatthe lip 3806 of the female portion 3804 resides between the two piecesof materials 3820 and 3822.

Generally, all sorts of male and female Dzus connectors 3800 and usesthereof are possible whereby the thickness, outside diameter, cylindersize and length, combinations thereof, etc. can be varied for a givenapplication. One of the two portions 3802 and 3804 can be adhered to amaterial using an adhesive, a weld, etc. and can include plastic orother components intended to be inserted into a hole that prevents apart from exiting such a hole (e.g., similar to certain devices designedto be inserted into a hole in a wall, such as hole in sheet rock, andfurther designed to prevent or at least retard the device fromsubsequently exiting the hole).

Under another example arrangement depicted in FIG. 38E, the male andfemale portions are replaced by first and second portions 3830 and 3832where the first portion 3830 is adhered to one side of a piece ofmaterial 3834 (e.g., a thin piece of plastic 3834), and the secondportion 3832 is placed on an opposite side of another piece of material3836 (e.g., another thin piece of plastic 3836). Under such anarrangement, the male and female extensions of the two portions 3802 and3804 (e.g., of FIG. 38A) may be omitted such that the portions 3830 and3832 might resemble two conventional (e.g., round) magnets. The twopieces of material 3834 and 3836 may therefore be attached withoutrequiring holes to be drilled in them. With any given implementation,any of various types of approaches may be employed to enable one of thetwo portions to be turned (e.g., a slot for a tool, a handle to grasp,etc.). Additionally, various approaches can be used to constrainmovement, for example, over a desired turning radius.

FIGS. 39A-39G depict an example magnetic foldable frame system. Morespecifically, FIGS. 39A-39G depict an example foldable frame system 3900based on correlated magnetic structures. In certain exampleimplementations, magnets in housings are attached to frames. A givenhousing may have a predetermined alignment between coded magnets withinthe housing such that they will attach, causing a desired angle betweenthe frames associated with them. By carefully designing tent frames andother structures, the frames can be folded into a small area (e.g., abox, a backpack, etc.). When needed, they can be folded out in avariable or set order of movements to quickly take a desired shape thatis structurally strong. Yet, by refolding the structure in a reverseorder of movements, the structure is again folded into the small area.Various approaches can be employed to produce various forms of frames,which may include one or more locking mechanisms intended to preventaccidental folding of all or any portion of the frame system.

For certain example embodiments, with reference to FIG. 39A, acorrelated magnetic foldable frame system is shown. Two ring magnets inhousings 3902 may be used for foldable frames that are capable of rapidassembly and/or disassembly for, by way of example but not limitation,general structures, furniture, packing boxes, storage containers, and soforth. Ring magnets may be coded to attract (e.g., to attach) at up to1−N different locations (e.g., at one location, at every 90 degrees, atevery 45 degrees, at 30 degree increments, at 30-60-90-135 degrees,etc.) and to otherwise repel each other. Such devices may be augmentedwith a mechanical lock/unlock mechanism to disallow and/or allow turningunder certain conditions/times but not others.

FIGS. 39B-39E illustrate additional example aspects of a correlatedmagnetic foldable frame system. Two ring magnet housings 3902 are shownas having a sleeve/outer axel 3904 in FIGS. 39B and 39C. A bolt 3906 mayinclude a threaded portion 3908, which is adapted to receive a lock nut3910, as shown in FIG. 39D. A dual-housing assembly 3912 is shown withthe bolt 3906 being inserted within the sleeve/outer axel 3904 in FIG.39E. Each housing 3902 may include at least one coded magnet (not shown)that is designed to correlate with a corresponding complementary codedmagnet on the other housing 3902 of the dual-housing assembly 3912 toestablish predetermined angles of assembly. The bolt 3906 may act as aninner axel. The sleeve/outer axel 3904 may enable one or two armaturesto pivot, depending on design.

FIGS. 39F and 39G illustrate two example arrangements. At examplearrangement 3914 of FIG. 39F, armatures 3916 may be fixed to each of tworing magnet housings 3902 (with one being explicitly visible). Examplearrangement 3918 of FIG. 39G may be similar to arrangement 3914.However, arrangement 3918 may further include two additionalcomplementary pivoting armatures 3916*. Armatures 3916* that may pivotabout the outer axels may complement the armatures 3916 (which are fixedin arrangement 3914). One or more clips (not shown) or other fasteningmechanism(s) may secure complementary armatures 3916*. In an exampleimplementation, an armature 3916* that is complementary to a givenarmature 3916 may be configured such that it rotates about the outeraxel 3904 of a housing 3902 to which the given armature 3916 is fixedand to be fixed to the housing 3902 that the given armature 3916 is ableto rotate about the outer axel 3904 of the housing 3902. Also oralternatively, a given armature 3916/3916* may be configured to be fixedto one housing 3902 and to rotate about an outer axel 3904 of asuccessive housing 3902. Inner and outer axels 3904 and/or a bolt 3906may have a coating thereon for reducing friction.

FIGS. 40A-40C depict examples of magnet-based glass cleaning systems4000. More specifically, FIGS. 40A, 40B, and 40C depict variations of aglass cleaning system 4000 a, 4000 b, and 4000 c, such as, for example,a glass tank cleaning system (e.g., a fish tank, a terrarium, etc.). Asshown in the figures, two portions of each system 4000 are each depictedas box-like objects; however, each can have any shape that is capable ofcontaining at least one magnetic structure. In accordance with oneexample arrangement, one of the two portions (e.g., the left depictedportion) may have a desired orientation (e.g., one side UP) that may beplaced on one side of a piece of glass (e.g., inside a fish tank). Theother portion (e.g., the right depicted portion) then attracts the oneportion with the glass being in between the two portions.

Glass cleaning system 4000 a is shown with one magnetic structure foreach portion of the two portions. Glass cleaning system 4000 b is shownwith two magnetic structures for each portion of the two portions. Glasscleaning system 4000 c is shown with four magnetic structures for eachportion of the two portions. However, a portion may have any number ofmagnetic structures. In certain example implementations, the magneticstructures may be coded to attract strongly and therefore securelymagnetically couple the two portions. Moreover, an appropriatelycorrelated pair (or pairs) of magnetic structures may enable aparticular orientation to be maintained between the two portions toprevent relative rotation. In certain example implementations, magneticstructures may be coded so as to exhibit multilevel behavior that hastuned near and far field attract and repel behaviors appropriate toreduce the likelihood that glass is damaged (e.g., scratched, cracked,shattered, etc.) when the two portions are brought together with theglass there between.

One or more coatings (e.g., Velcro or another scrubbing/polishingcoating) may be included on one or both of the two portions to assist incleaning the inside or the outside of a glass tank. In one exampleapproach, both portions may align to produce a peak force when both arepositioned with a common orientation (e.g., two sides that are bothmarked UP are in alignment). Alternatively, one portion might be turnedto one of a plurality of relative orientations (e.g., 1 or 2 as shown incleaning system 4000 b; 1, 2, 3, or 4 as shown in cleaning system 4000c, etc.) to achieve one of a plurality of different attractive forces,which may accommodate different thicknesses of glass. Such a cleaningsystem may furthermore be used to clean materials besides glass, such asother transparent materials (e.g., Plexiglas, plastic, etc.) or othermaterials generally.

FIG. 41 depicts an example aquarium cleaning system 4100 that may beemployed with aquariums having walls formed from different kinds ofmaterials, including but not limited to transparent materials. Aquariumcleaning system 4100 depicts a relatively aquarium-specific wallcleaning system as compared to the more general systems 4000 of FIG. 40.For an example implementation, aquarium cleaning system 4100 may includeat least two magnet pairs 4102 that are used to secure the two portions(which may be analogous to those of FIG. 40). As shown, each of theportions of the cleaning system includes three such magnet pairs 4102,which are arranged vertically in the illustrated cut-away.

In an example implementation, one pair (e.g., the middle pair as shown)may have a pump lever 4104 (that is capable of being manually operatedand/or motorized) that is used to move one of two magnets having acontactless attachment behavior (e.g., derived from multilevel magnetismas described herein above). Moving the middle magnet with pump lever4104 causes the corresponding magnet on the left to compress the tubing.This may be used to pump water through a bladder and/or a filtrationsystem 4106 that is included within (and/or attached to) the portion onthe left that is inside the aquarium. Such a pumping and/or filtrationsystem can reduce at least a portion of the algae that is removed fromthe glass from being dispersed into the aquarium water. A main aquariumfilter would therefore no longer be responsible for cleaning up thealgae waste produced by cleaning the walls or other panels of theaquarium. The filtration system 4106 may include a flap valve and/orbackwash intake, either or both of which may be magnetic.

In accordance with other example implementations, each of the twoportions may include material(s) 4108 for cleaning the glass surface.These materials may differ for the water and the dry sides and may becleanable, replaceable, etc. The tank portion may further include one ormore plugs 4110 for rinsing the interior. Such plugs may be sealedmagnetically. A ball valve 4112 may be part of the bladder systemoperated by the pump lever 4104 and middle magnet pairs. At the top,bottom, or both the top and the bottom of the tank portion, hole(s) 4114for vacuum action and/or a seal/squeegee 4116 may be disposed proximateto the glass face area.

FIG. 42 depicts an example magnetic door latch 4200. More specifically,for certain example embodiments, FIG. 42 depicts example door-lockingmechanisms 4200 that are capable of replacing existing electro-magneticdoor locks. Existing electro-magnetic door locks currently require powerto be on while in a locked position. In contrast, in accordance withexample implementations, correlated magnetic locking mechanisms may belocked even while power is not on. A first coded magnetic structure isfixed to a door (not shown) and a second complementary coded magneticstructure 4202 is mounted to a doorframe such that it can rotate.Alternatively or additionally, a rotating magnetic structure may belocated on/in the door. The two magnets will align and attract/attachwhen the door is in a closed state.

When unlocking the door, an electromagnetic device 4204 (e.g., asolenoid) may be used to turn the rotatable magnet 4202, which causesthe two magnetic structures to de-correlate and release the lock. Byde-correlating the magnets, the door is enabled to be opened. When in anopen position, the magnets can be coded to have, for example, a slightlyattractive force, a neutral force, or a repulsive force, depending on adesired level of latching bias. A manual safety override may also beincluded to ensure egress is possible in an emergency.

For an example implementation, a push/pull solenoid of anelectromagnetic device 4204 a may directly contact a lever or otherdevice to rotate the magnetic structure 4202. Alternatively, other(e.g., pin-less) electromagnetic devices 4204 b, 4204 c, and/or 4204 dmay be employed to rotate the magnet in which a (e.g., metal) memberacts as a lever. Also and/or alternatively, multiple such magnets 4202may be used in many of various forms to realize a compound lockingmechanism 4206.

X. Further Additional Example Implementations

FIGS. 43-47, by way of example but not limitation, depict correlatedmagnets that are illustrated in one or more example manners. However,sizes, shapes, numbers, etc. of magnetic sources may be implemented inalternative manners. Furthermore, the size, shape, configuration,coding, etc. of the overall correlated magnetic structures may also beimplemented in alternative manners. The depicted example correlatedmagnets serve to illustrate certain principles, but they may be modifiedfor other implementations in accordance with the teachings herein.

FIGS. 43A and 43B depict an example of a rotating lid apparatus 4300that may be manipulated using correlated magnetics. As illustrated, therotating lid apparatus 4300 may include a lid 4302, a rim 4304, and acorrelated magnetic hinge 4306. For certain example embodiments, therotating lid apparatus 4300 may be placed on/over or be part of acontainer (not shown). Example containers include, but are not limitedto, boxes of various purposes, such as storage boxes in a garage, a boxin or over a pick-up truck bed, and so forth.

For an example operative implementation, the lid 4302 may be loweredonto the rim 4304 to effectuate a closed position for a container, asshown in the upper diagram of FIG. 43A. The rim 4304 may form an upperportion of such a container. The lid 4302 may be raised away from therim 4304 to effectuate an open position for a container, as shown in thelower diagram. The lid 4302 may be raised and lowered about a magnetichinged area 4306. When in a closed position as shown in FIG. 43B,magnetic hinged area 4306 may establish a first magnetic field forcelevel using, e.g., correlated magnets. Such a first magnetic force levelmay be relatively lower (e.g., approximately 25 pounds) to “merely”secure the lid 4302 to the rim 4304. When in an open position, magnetichinged area 4306 may establish a second magnetic field force levelusing, e.g., correlated magnets. Such a second magnetic force level maybe relatively higher (e.g., approximately 75 pounds) to secure the lid4302 away from the rim 4304 at one or more predetermined angles (e.g.,90 degrees to be perpendicular to the earth's surface) and to preventthe lid 4302 from closing/falling on anyone. Although an examplecorrelated magnet is depicted as part of magnetic hinged area 4306, sucha correlated magnet may alternatively be concealed within a hingeapparatus.

FIGS. 44A and 44B depict two example structures 4402 and 4404 that maybe coupled with a high degree of precision using correlated magnetics(e.g., using an enhanced placement technique). As illustrated, a member4402 may be intended to be connected to an apparatus 4404. Such aconnection may have a relatively precise constraint with regard toplacement of the member 4402 with respect to the apparatus 4404. In anexample implementation, a member 4402 may be a strut or anotherstructure involved in a mechanically-fastened joint. For certain exampleembodiments, placement may be tightly controlled with relatively highprecision using correlated magnets 4406.

In an example operative implementation, a correlated magnet 4406 may bepositioned at one end of a member (e.g., strut) 4402 and anothercorrelated magnet 4406 at a targeted location 4408 of an apparatus 4404.The correlated magnets 4406 may be attached and then a load may be addedto determine if a moment is created. If so, then placement of member4402 with respect to apparatus 4404 is not yet sufficiently accurate.The location of the target 4408 may be changed and then the loading maybe retested. The member 4402 may be tapped when a sufficiently-preciseplacement is achieved.

FIG. 45 depicts an example tool or other implement storage mechanism4500 that uses correlated magnetics. As illustrated, the storagemechanism 4500 may include a storage receptacle 4502 and one or moreimplements (e.g., tools, utensils, etc.) 4504, such as those that arecapable of being used by hand. A storage receptacle 4502 may comprise,by way of example but not limitation, all or at least part of a toolbox, a drawer, a wall, a cabinet or other door, and so forth.

For certain example embodiments, a storage receptacle 4502 may includeone or more correlated magnets 4506 that are positioned at respectivelocations of the storage receptacle that correspond to respectiveimplements 4504. As shown, the correlated magnets 4506 a, 4506 b, 4506c, 4506 d, 4506 e, and 4506 f represent different correlated magnetstructures. Such correlated magnet structures may differ by: shape(e.g., the correlated magnet 4506 c versus the correlated magnet 4506f), size (e.g., the correlated magnet 4506 a versus the correlatedmagnet 4506 d), coding (e.g., the correlated magnet 4506 b versus thecorrelated magnet 4506 e), any combination thereof, and so forth, justto name a few examples.

By selectively configuring a given correlated magnet 4506 to match(e.g., correlate) with a complementary correlated magnet on a givenimplement 4504, but not with those of other implements, the storagereceptacle 4502 can effectively “enforce” a predetermined arrangementfor where particular implements 4504 are stored with respect toavailable locations of the storage receptacle 4502. In the example asillustrated in FIG. 45, the correlated magnet of the implement 4504 isconfigured to correlate and properly attach to the storage receptacle4502 at one location, which corresponds to the correlated magnet 4506 f,and at one orientation.

In example implementations, a storage receptacle 4502 may comprise amagnetic tool rack, a tool box (to retard noisy rattling), a trucktoolbox, and so forth. Implement-to-storage-location matching may beenforced with complementary correlated magnets. Consequently, tools mayhang or otherwise position properly, and such tools may be returned totheir proper location.

FIG. 46 depicts an example security device 4600 that may employ acorrelated magnetic release mechanism. As illustrated, a security device4600 may include at least one attachment connector 4602 and one or morecorrelated magnets 4604. For certain example embodiments, the securitydevice 4600 may be attached to an object, such as a piece of inventory,to prevent unauthorized removal of the object. In an exampleimplementation, a security device 4600 may be attached to an article ofclothing that is for sale in a store.

In certain example implementations, an attachment connector 4602 maycomprise a wire or plastic loop, a needle together with a backing toreceive the needle, a wire or plastic look together with an adhesive,combinations thereof, and so forth, just to name a few examples.Generally, an attachment connector 4602 may comprise, for example, anymechanism that enables a security device 4600 to be attached to anobject, such as clothing, equipment, a box, and so forth.

A correlated magnet 4604 may be included as part of a security device4600 and may be located fully or partially internal to or external of ahousing of the security device 4600. Hence, although visible in FIG. 46for the sake of clarity, the correlated magnet 4604 may be locatedbeneath a housing of the security device 4600 and obscured from view. Inan example operation, when a matching complementary correlated magnet(not shown) is placed sufficiently proximate to the correlated magnet4604, the magnetic forces are capable of activating a release mechanism(not explicitly shown) of the security device 4600. This releasemechanism may cause attachment connector 4602 to release and therebyenable removal of the security device 4600 from an object to which itis/was attached. For instance, the correlated magnet 4604 may be broughtcloser to a correlated magnet that is held external to the securitydevice 4600 to thereby release an internal lock (e.g., a spring-loadedlock) and enable the attachment connector 4602 to be disconnected (e.g.,one end of a loop may be released). Generally, magnets that do notproperly correlate with the correlated magnet 4604 will fail to activatethe release mechanism.

In an example retail environment, the security device 4600 may be usedas part of an inventory control system. In an example implementation, ifthe security device 4600 is brought near security monitoring towers at astore's entrance, the monitoring tower's surveillance system may alarm.Alternatively or additionally, the security device 4600 itself may alsoissue an alarm (e.g., an audible alarm) if it is brought near thesecurity monitoring towers and/or if the attachment connector 4602 istampered with (e.g., cut). By using a specially-configured correlatedmagnet 4604, inventory security tags cannot be defeated merely by usinga strong conventional magnet.

FIG. 47 depicts example approaches to using correlated magnetics withlandscaping equipment. Generally, correlated magnets may be used tosecure a first part of a piece of landscaping equipment to a second partof the piece of landscaping equipment. As shown, FIG. 47 depicts a pieceof landscaping equipment that comprises a lawnmower 4700 having anengine/cutting portion 4702 and an associated bag 4704.

For certain example embodiments, the lawnmower bag 4704 may be quicklyattached and detached from the lawnmower engine (e.g., gasoline,electrical motor, etc. engine) portion 4702. One or more correlatedmagnets 4706 and 4708 may be included as part of the lawnmower bag 4704and engine portion 4702, respectively. When initially attached, thecorrelated magnet pairs 4706 and 4708 may have a relatively low level ofattraction, but one that is nevertheless sufficient to hold thelawnmower bag 4704 against the engine portion 4702 (e.g., at leastsufficient to overcome gravitational forces pulling an empty lawnmowerbag downward). When at least one of the correlated magnets 4706 and 4708of a given pair is rotated relative to the other one, the magnets maycorrelate and the level of magnetic attraction may increase so that thelawnmower bag 4704 is securely attached to the engine portion 4702(e.g., at least sufficient to overcome gravitational forces pulling afull lawnmower bag downward as the lawnmower 4700 is pushed).

As shown, knobs are located at least at one or more of the correlatedmagnets 4706 that are attached to the lawnmower bag 4704. However, oneor more knobs may alternatively and/or additionally be located at any ofthe correlated magnets 4708 that are attached to the engine portion4702. Knobs may comprise, for example, any implement that facilitates amanual rotation (e.g., with a hand) of the correlated magnets 4706 and4708 with respect to each other. Although depicted in particular examplelocations, correlated magnets 4706 and/or 4708 may alternatively and/oradditionally be placed in other locations and/or omitted from certainlocations. By way of example only, correlated magnet pairs 4706/4708 mayattach on the sides of the engine portion 4702 and/or at the backend ofthe engine portion 4702. Furthermore, one or more correlated magnetpairs 4706/4708 may be connected along a cross member of the push barand/or along the extension members of the push bar. Moreover, anotherfastening type (e.g., hooks, levers, etc.) may be used at one or morelocations in conjunction with the correlated magnets at the same and/orat other locations.

In an alternative implementation, a lever (as shown atop the lawnmowerbag 4704) may be used to rotate one or more or magnet (two magnets asshown) relative to their matching magnet pair. In another alternativeimplementation, a lever (not shown) may be included as part of theengine portion 4702 (e.g., at or near where the lawnmower bag 4704attached). Example levers are shown in FIGS. 47 a and 47 b that areadapted for if correlated magnets 4708 were positioned on a backend ofthe engine portion 4702 facing a person walking behind the mower (whichis not shown). When pushed, turned, etc., the lever, which may beattached to at least one bar, may cause one or more of the magnet pairsto rotate simultaneously to expedite removal of the lawnmower bag 4704.In yet another alternative implementation, a cutting blade of alawnmower may be attached and/or rotated using correlated magnets.

FIGS. 48A-48C depict an example scheme to create a coded magnet that is“enhanced” in terms of rotational cross-correlation. For certain exampleembodiments, such enhanced coded magnets may exhibit enhanced rotationalcross-correlation. FIG. 48A depicts a circular disc 4802 that comprisesan example correlated magnet having six circular magnetic sources 4804.In an example implementation, each circular magnetic source 4804 has aradius of R/2 with their centers along a circle of radius R. Here, anexample coding for cyclic auto-correlation is: 1, 0, 1, ¼, −½, −¼. Apeak/side lobe ratio of 38 may be obtained. Among the six circularmagnetic sources 4804, there are seven different magnetic levels(counting both sides of the circular disc 4802 with a discrete magneticsource implementation, for example): −1, ½, −¼, 0, ¼, ½, 1.

Two such circular discs 4802 may exhibit an enhanced rotationalcross-correlation. FIG. 48B is a graphical diagram 4812 illustrating anexample rotational cross-correlation. A rotational angle (in degrees)extends from −200 to +200 along the abscissa axis. A normalizedcross-correlation value extends from −0.2 to 1.2 along the ordinateaxis. As shown in graphical diagram 4812, a normalized cross-correlationvalue of 1 is reached at a rotational angle of zero degrees. Thenormalized cross-correlation value drops to essentially zero by aroundthe rotational angles of −60 and +60 degrees. This enhanced coding mayalso be thought of as an example form of zero-side-lobe coding.

FIG. 48C depicts two circular discs 4802, each having six circularmagnetic sources 4804. Such circular magnetic sources 4804 may beconstructed using individual discrete magnets (e.g., with oppositepolarities on opposite sides), printed using a magnetizing printer(e.g., that is applied to opposite sides of the circular discs 4802),and so forth. The upper circular disc 4802 includes six circularmagnetic sources 4804 that are coded as follows: 1, 0, 1, ¼, −½, −¼. Thelower circular disc 4802 includes six circular magnetic sources 4804that are coded as follows: −1, 0, −1, −¼, ½, ¼.

FIG. 49 depicts two coded magnets 4902 and 4904 and a third structure4906 in a context of an example interaction 4900 between and among thethree structures. As illustrated, the example interaction 4900 mayinclude and/or involve a first coded magnet 4902, a second coded magnet4904, and a third structure 4906. A material 4908 may also be presentbetween the first and second coded magnets 4902 and 4904 to, forexample, reduce friction there between. For certain example embodiments,the third structure 4906 may comprise, by way of example but notlimitation, a metal, a conventional magnet, any combination thereof, andso forth. The second coded magnet 4904 may be proximate (including incontact with) the third structure 4906. The second coded magnet 4904 maybe sufficiently proximate to the third structure 4906 so that, forexample, the second coded magnet 4904 can affect (e.g., move) the thirdstructure 4906. The first coded magnet 4902 and the second coded magnet4904 may be aligned and correlated at times, and they may be unalignedand uncorrelated at other times.

If the first and second coded magnets 4902 and 4904 are fully aligned(e.g., fully correlated), then the magnetic field density may bemaximized (or concentrated) around a region where they are in contact(or nearly in contact, such as if the material 4908 is present to reducefriction). On the other hand, if the first and second coded magnets 4902and 4904 are misaligned (e.g., not fully correlated), then theirmultiple magnetic sources may substantially cancel each other out. Suchcancellation may cause, depending on a coding employed, the magneticfield density to be near zero around where the first and second codedmagnets 4902 and 4904 are in contact (or near contact).

A level of attraction between the second coded magnet 4904 and the thirdstructure 4906 may be decreased if the first and second coded magnets4902 and 4904 are not fully correlated because the cancelation acts as abarrier much like a second piece of metal. (In fact, data comparing onepiece of metal versus two can show an increase in attractive strength ofaround two times under one example set of parameters.) On the contrary,if the first and second coded magnets 4902 and 4904 are fullycorrelated, then a level of attraction between the second coded magnet4904 and the third structure 4906 may be increased.

In certain example implementations, such an example interaction 4900 maybe utilized so as to operate the first and second coded magnets 4902 and4904 like a magnetic switch. Generally, if two coded magnets (e.g., thefirst and second coded magnets 4902 and 4904) are correlated, theresulting magnetic field that is external to the two correlated codedmagnets may be increased as well as the resulting magnetic field that isinternal to (e.g., located between and/or at a point of contact of) thetwo correlated coded magnets may be increased. Hence, an amount ofattractive force emanating from a second magnet may be adjusted/changedbased on whether a first magnet that is paired with the second magnet iscorrelated or de-correlated with the second magnet. Increasing acorrelation between two coded magnets can therefore increase anattractive force emanating external to the two coded magnets.

FIG. 50 depicts an example approach 5000 to securing a lid to acontainer using coded magnets in which tabs with a travel limiter may beutilized. As illustrated, the example approach 5000 may include a lid5002 and a container 5004. For certain example embodiments, each of thelid 5002 and the container 5004 may include receptacles 5006 that areadapted to receive coded magnet assemblies 5008. Alternatively, each ofthe lid 5002 and the container 5004 may have coded magnet assemblies5008 disposed thereon absent such receptacles 5006.

For example implementations, coded magnet assemblies 5008 may bepositioned about the lid 5002 and/or the container 5004 such that one ormore coded magnet assemblies 5008 of the lid 5002 are proximate one ormore coded magnet assemblies 5008 of the container 5004 when the lid5002 is placed on the container 5004. Respective pairs of coded magnetassemblies 5008 (e.g., at a given corner of a container 5004) mayinclude complementary coded magnets 5016 to enable each corner to besecured via rotation, for example.

In an example implementation, a coded magnet assembly 5008 may includeknob 5010, a cover 5012, a bottom portion 5014, and a coded magnet 5016.The coded magnet 5016 may be positioned about a spindle to enable it tobe rotated. Tabs and/or a travel limiter may be included with codedmagnet assembly 5008 to limit the turning angle of the knob 5010 (e.g.,to between two locations 90 degrees apart, signifying latched andunlatched positions). Cover 5012 may include a hole to expose knob 5010to manual rotation. Alternatively, a receptacle for a screwdriver orother tool may be provided instead of or in addition to a knob.

In an example implementation, a coded magnet assembly 5008 with a cover5012 having a hole may be included with the lid 5002, and a coded magnetassembly 5008 with a cover 5012 with no hole may be include with thecontainer 5004. Moreover, the coded magnet 5016 of the coded magnetassemblies 5008 of the container 5004 may be immobile (e.g., not subjectto rotation). In another example implementation, a cover 5012 for acoded magnet assembly 5008 of a lid 5002 may be solid (e.g., may notinclude a hole). In such an implementation, one of the assemblies can berotated using external magnets that are applied, for example, above acoded magnet assembly 5008 of the lid 5002, beside a coded magnetassembly 5008 of the container 5004, some combination thereof, and soforth. In yet another example implementation, a lid 5002 may be coveringan opening other than that for a container. Examples include, but arenot limited to, a lid 5002 that comprises a door, or an emergency hatch,and so forth.

Several and various additional example implementations are describedbelow. For example, correlated magnetics technology may be implementedin conjunction with a pool stick (or cue) that uses correlated magneticstructures to attach its multiple parts. For example, the screw andthreads of conventional cues are replaced with male and female parts andcorrelated magnetic structures to attach the two halves of a pool cue.Moreover, the pool cue may further use the quick attachment/detachmentcapabilities of correlated magnetics to enable multiple cue tips to beused and/or multiple different types of tips based on a current shot,much like a golfer has different clubs. Similarly, a bag of golf clubsmay be replaced by a lighter bag having multiple golf club heads and alesser number of golf club handles that can be attached to any of themultiple golf club heads using correlated magnetic structures.Mechanical latching devices may also be used with the cue sticks or golfclubs, in addition to the correlated magnetic structures, wherein themechanical latches may be pushed in or slid in one direction or anotherto unlock the sticks or handles thereby preventing them from becomingaccidentally detached.

In accordance with another example implementation, a correlated magneticpump may be produced either by using a first structure comprisingpermanent magnets and a second structure comprising an array ofelectromagnets such as been previously described herein with respect toa magnetic valve and also a magnetic hydraulics system. Alternatively, amulti-level magnetic structure may be employed that is modulated with anexternal magnetic field in order to act as a pumping mechanism.

In accordance with other example implementations, a correlated magneticstructure may be produced by magnetizing magnetic sources having a firstpolarity onto a side of a previously magnetized magnet having anopposite polarity. More generally, a magnetizer can be used tore-magnetize a previously magnetized material having one polarity perside or having multiple sources having multiple polarities per side.Under one example arrangement, a checkerboard pattern (e.g., alternatingpolarity sources) may be magnetized onto an existing magnet such thatthe remainder of the magnet (e.g., the non re-magnetized portion) actsas a bias. Under another example arrangement, a pattern (or code) otherthan a checkerboard pattern may be used to magnetize an existing magnetsuch that the remainder of the magnet (e.g., the non re-magnetizedportion) acts as a bias.

In accordance with other example implementations, magnetic gears may beproduced using repeating code modulos. For example, a circular ring often Barker 3 code modulos (++−) may be placed around the outside edge ofa round (e.g., NIB) correlated magnet and a complementary coded magnet(−−+). One skilled in the art will recognize that the gear ratio can bechanged by changing the length of the code used and/or the number ofcode modulos.

In accordance with other example implementations, a physical therapyapplication for stroke (or other head injury) patients can help retrainthem to walk. Correlated magnets on the soles of their shoes can beconfigured to align with correlated magnets on a treadmill, floor,floormat, stair stepper, and so forth. The correlated magnets may becoded to execute attraction and resistance in a sequence that helps movethe patient's feet in a walking motion. If the correlated magnets areelectromagnets, they can be controlled electronically by a therapistrunning a program to adjust stride length, gait, foot separationdistance, any combination thereof, and so forth.

In accordance with other example implementations, a home may beoutfitted to help patients or the elderly who need help moving about intheir home. In addition to outfitting their shoes for a walking motion,correlated magnets can outfit a chair. A chair's feet outfitted withcorrelated magnets can be propelled along a floor embedded with an arrayof electromagnets that can be controlled programmatically. A user canthen use a remote or hit a button on his/her chair that corresponds to adesired location in the house that he/she wants to go and the chair thentransports them there.

Other example implementations may include: Correlated magnets could beused for aligning, closing and sealing a convertible top to the frame ofa car.

Correlated magnets could be used in the assembly of parts inmanufacturing, such as panels of a car, to facilitate the alignment andinstallation of the part, and if needed to follow up the assembly of thepart with additional attachment means, such as a weld.

A handle with a correlated magnet could attach a cover to a bunt cakepan so as to seal it and allow someone to carry it.

Pegboard and hooks can be replaced by a board having a grid ofcorrelated magnetic structures and modified hooks having correlatedmagnets that would attach to the magnet structures in the grid.

Model trains could go up walls or be upside down. The same is true fortracks for toy cars.

Correlated magnetic gears can be used for watches and keeping time.

Correlated magnetics can be used with jewelry to allow someone to changeout stones, change settings, change styles.

Fire extinguishers, medical kits, and the like could be easilydetachable from walls just by turning them if they were attached usingcorrelated magnetic structures.

Correlated magnetics can be used to connect TV cables to TVs.

Correlated magnetics can be used to make easily attachable/detachablewater hoses.

Correlated magnetics can be used for electrical connectors to replaceconventional plugs and wall outlets, and to replace any kind ofelectrical connector used for phones, computers, ear buds, etc.

Correlated magnetic structures can be used as a kind of magnetic fuzewhereby if an object is struck by another object it can give way toavoid damage. For example, an outboard motor could be configured suchthat if were to hit a stump while a boat was moving, a magnetic latch inthe motor would disengage allowing the motor to swing up such that themotor and the boat aren't damaged.

Correlated magnetic structures can be used for temporary dividers thatcan be used to divide a road in place of barrels. One half of a magnetpair would be nailed into the asphalt and the other half in a divider.This would enable rapid assembly and disassembly of road divers andallow for dividers to be stackable. Such dividers would be useful forlocations where road dividers are temporarily set up, such as for bridgeinspections or the like.

An anti-kick blade release mechanism for a saw may activate whereby if ablade bites into an object, e.g., wood, such that it would become lockedand would otherwise kick the blade up and/or the object out, the bladewould disengage. The saw would automatically turn off upon thisoccurrence.

Another application of correlated magnets is with flying model aircraftwhich would allow portions such as wings to be easily attached to enableflying but easily detached for storage and transport.

Described below are some additional example devices in which correlatedmagnetics technology may be incorporated:

-   -   Stackable forks, spoons, knives, plates, and bowls:        -   Allows utensils to stack better in drawers        -   Less wear and tear when stacked        -   Less noise when putting utensils away or getting them out        -   Provides spacing so that cleaning is more easily performed            by dishwashers    -   Showers and shower storage devices—keeps storage in place and        can be removed for easy cleanup of shower. The problem with        traditional shower storage is that it's kept in place via        suction and/or friction, both of which are unreliable methods of        keeping a shower implement in place. Additionally, once you get        the implement to “stick”, the last thing you want to do is        remove that item for cleaning. If shower liner/insert        manufacturers and tile manufacturers embed coded magnets into        their products, then all sorts of accessories can be made to        mount to the side of shower or any bathroom or kitchen wall        surface that's constructed of such material. Examples of        accessories include soap dishes, shampoo bottle shelves, towel        racks, waterproof radios, mirrors, etc.    -   Construction/farm equipment and accessories—same as above but        for heavy equipment and farm implements—in farm implements and        heavy machinery, the need exists for cup holders, tool holders,        and various other accessories that could be held if the various        pieces of metal on this machinery were programmed to accept        correlated-magnetic-based accessories.    -   Embedded into little league baseball home plates throughout the        country to support the installation of tees for t-ball. In        today's t-ball world, coaches must supply their own tee because        putting a hole in the middle of the traditional home plate is        unsightly and potentially unsafe. By fitting the traditional        home plate with a Correlated Magnetic (CM) technology and a        simple drawn circle, the t-ball tee can be attached to the same        home plate that coach- and player-pitch little league can use.        The magnetic force will be strong enough to support the ball,        but will break away (by design) so that they kids can get used        to a “real” home plate (rather than dodging the tee when they        approach home from third base. Additionally, the tee can easily        (and more cheaply) be replaced since it is the piece that        receives the most damage from the swings of inexperienced        players.    -   Farm equipment power take off (PTO) quick connect. Includes        native operation as well as adapters for existing equipment.    -   Screws with correlated magnetic heads that are matched to        screwdriver bits so that the bit can be “dipped” into a box of        these screws for hands free placement and alignment of screw to        screwdriver. Same as above with nails/hammers and other        fasteners/tools.    -   Car roof racks (and other external automotive accessories).    -   License plates, including vanity plates    -   Expandable dumbbell set    -   Built-in coded magnets in standard kitchen appliances to allow a        whole host of accessories to be developed—similar to the car        rack concept, towel racks and other accessories could be        mounted.    -   Adapter hardware for standard fastener sizes—enables coded        magnet products to be mounted where traditional objects would        normally be screwed or bolted.    -   Street and road signs that “break away”—For safety purposes, the        majority of highway road signs are designed to break off or        shear when hit with extreme force (such as a motor vehicle        accident. These are typically installed by connecting a piece of        the pole that's been buried in concrete with the top section of        a pole (with sign) using 4 to 8 small bolts. These bolts (and        the associated labor to install them) can be replaced by CM        technology.    -   Patient levitation beds based on magnetic repulsion to        reduce/eliminate bedsores during hospital stays. Coded magnets        would be built into a patient carrier which would then be        supported and held in place by corresponding magnets on the bed.    -   Patient gurney which uses correlated magnets to lock it into        place inside the ambulance. Replaces conventional locks which        are subject to spring wear, dirt, corrosion, etc.    -   Patient restraining device using correlated magnets. Could use        keyed magnets on patient clothing and corresponding magnets on a        chair, etc.    -   Engine or motor mounts which use multi-level contactless        attachment devices to reduce or eliminate vibration.    -   Easily removable seat pads.    -   Boot/shoe fasteners to eliminate strings or Velcro.    -   Self-aligning hitch for trailers.    -   Elevator door lock to replace conventional mechanical locks.    -   Keyed magnet spare tire mount.    -   Interchangeable shoe soles (sports shoes, personal wear, etc.)    -   Light bulb bases to replace screw mounts.    -   Oven rotisserie using slow-motor technology.    -   Kitchen microwave rotating platform using slow-motor technology.    -   No-contact clutch plate, eliminating wearable, friction plates.    -   Longer-lasting exercise bike using variable opposing magnets        (eliminating friction-based components).    -   Purse clasp.    -   Keyed gate latch.    -   Using linear magnets to stop runaway elevators or other        mechanical devices.    -   After-market coaxial cable, with end caps that screw on to the        tv and wall plate and stay, and a cable that magnetically        attaches to those end caps.    -   Industrial gas cylinder caps that are magnetic instead of the        current threaded caps that are exceedingly difficult to use.        Magnetic caps would be coded such that all O2 bottle caps work        on all O2 bottles, all CO2 caps work on CO2 bottles, etc.

Applications for example biomedical implementations may include, but arenot limited to:

-   -   Use of contactless attachment capability for the interface        between mechanical and biological elements and for the interface        between two biological elements. The reason is that if there is        too much pressure placed on biological tissue like skin it        impedes the capillaries feeding the tissue and will cause it to        die within an hour. This phenomenon, ischemic pressure necrosis,        makes interfacing mechanical and biological elements—and often        two biological elements that you don't want to permanently join        via stitches or other methods, very difficult. The contactless        attachment might be a powerful tool to address this problem.        Potential applications identified for mechanical to biological        attachment included attaching prosthetics where one of the        magnets is implanted under the skin, attaching external        miniature pumps, and as ways to hold dental implants, something        to avoid grinding in TMJ, and as a way to hold dentures in place        and aligned. For biological to biological attachment, the        example implementations include magnets implanted in the soft        palate and the bone above for sleep apnea, and use to address        urinary incontinence. Correlated magnets may be the basis of a        valve at the top of the stomach that is able to be overcome with        swallowing to address acid reflux.    -   Magnetically-controlled transmoral necrosis for creating        gastrojejunostomy for people with morbid obesity. An        implementation may include that you could swallow one magnet and        wait until it gets to the right part of the intestine and then        you would swallow another. Once the second got into the stomach,        it would align and connect to the first causing necrosis of all        the tissue in between and creating a bypass between the stomach        and the intestine. It would be similar to the surgery people get        today but wouldn't require surgery.    -   Implanting a CM with a contactless attachment in someone's        sinuses who have chronic sinus issues. You could then hold        another CM up to your cheek to get the sinus to distend and help        fluid inside to flow.    -   Use CMs as transducers for hearing aids.    -   CM-based rehab equipment.    -   CMs that could start out magnetic but lose that ability over        time and the opposite, where they start out nonmagnetic but        become magnetic over time. One could swallow magnets to do a job        and at some point they would release and exit the body. Or, they        could be in the body until they got to a certain place, at which        they would attach. Could add a battery and small electromagnet        bias magnet to a CM to be able to control it. Could put a        dissolving material around the magnets that might degrade over        time so that it let the magnet do something different once the        material was gone.    -   prosthetic attachment—snap on, turn to remove    -   joint replacement (knee, spinal discs, etc)—with contactless        attachment so no wear    -   joint positioning (spinal discs, etc)—use alignment to make sure        stay in place    -   breakaway pad—use breakaway spring capability to eliminate        hotspots and thus bedsores    -   gene sorting—more advanced gene sorting than possible with        conventional magnets    -   Rehab equipment—magnet controlled forces for rehab equipment    -   placement of feeding tube—guide a nasal feeding tube from        outside body through stomach and into intestine    -   drug targeting—tag drugs (or stem cells, etc) with magnetic        materials and direct them to a specific place in the body    -   Flow control devices—precision dispensing using controlled valve    -   Control contamination—gears, separators, etc. that don't touch        to avoid cross contamination    -   Seal-less valves    -   Pumps (heart, etc) having new attributes

Additional and/or alternative implementations with respect to thoseexamples described above may also be implemented.

Because force curves are now programmable, designers can tailor themagnetic behavior to match application requirements and to support newmagnet applications. Magnets may now include combinations of attract andrepel forces that enable entirely new application areas. Programmingmagnets and their force curves provides a powerful new capability forproduct innovation and increased efficiencies across various industries.Generally, for certain example embodiments, a plurality of regionshaving different force curves can be configured to work together toproduce a tailored composite force curve. The composite force curve can,for example, have a flat portion that represents a constant force oversome range of separation distance such that the devices acted similar toa very long spring. Moreover, as previously described, maxels can beprinted onto conventional magnets thereby putting surface fields ontothem. By putting a thin correlated magnetic layer on top of an alreadymagnetized substrate the bulk field is projected into the far field andthe correlated magnetic surface effects modify the force curve in thenear field.

Although multiple embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoingDetailed Description, it should be understood that the present inventionis not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of numerousrearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing fromthe invention as set forth and defined by the following claims. Itshould also be noted that the reference to the “present invention” or“invention” used herein relates to example embodiments and notnecessarily to every embodiment that is encompassed by the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: forming a structurethat includes multiple first magnetic sources having at least twopolarities and disposed on a first side of the structure, the first sideof the structure being substantially flat, the multiple first magneticsources including multiple magnetic elements magnetically printed into apiece of magnetizable material by positioning a hole of a magnetizingprint head adjacent to the piece of magnetizable material at eachlocation where the multiple magnetic elements are to be magneticallyprinted and applying a current to the magnetizing print head thatgenerates a magnetizing field having a high magnetic flux density inand/or near said hole of the magnetizing print head and a low magneticflux density elsewhere, the multiple first magnetic sources including atleast one magnetic source having a first polarity and at least onemagnetic source having a second polarity, the multiple first magneticsources producing one or more first magnetic fields at the first side;providing at least one conductive coil that is capable of interacting atleast with the one or more first magnetic fields; and constructing anapparatus that enables the structure and the at least one conductivecoil to move relative to each other such that the at least oneconductive coil is able to interact at least with the one or more firstmagnetic fields based at least partly on a relative movement between oramong the at least one conductive coil and the structure.
 2. The methodof claim 1, wherein said forming comprises: printing the multiplemagnetic elements into the first side of the structure to create themultiple first magnetic sources having the at least two polarities usingat least one inductance.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:positioning the apparatus so as to enable a force to be applied to atleast one of (i) the at least one conductive coil or (ii) the structuresuch that the relative movement is to occur responsive to the force; andcollecting electrical energy via electrical current that is generated inthe at least one conductive coil responsive to the relative movementbetween or among the at least one conductive coil and the structure. 4.The method of claim 1, wherein said constructing comprises: constructingthe apparatus to establish an axial air gap between at least (i) the atleast one conductive coil and (ii) the multiple first magnetic sourcesdisposed on the first side of the structure.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein said constructing comprises: constructing the apparatus suchthat the at least one conductive coil is oriented substantiallyperpendicular to the first side that is substantially flat.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said constructing comprises: constructing theapparatus such that the at least one conductive coil is orientedsubstantially parallel to an axis of rotation of the structure.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein said forming comprises: forming the structureto include the first side and a second side with the first side oppositethe second side, the structure including multiple second magneticsources having the at least two polarities and disposed on the secondside of the structure.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein said formingfurther comprises: printing multiple first magnetic elements into thefirst side of the structure to create the multiple first magneticsources having the at least two polarities; and printing multiple secondmagnetic elements into the second side of the structure to create themultiple second magnetic sources.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein saidforming further comprises: forming the structure to include a discshape, wherein the first side of the structure includes a firstsubstantially flat side of the disc shape and the second side of thestructure includes a second substantially flat side of the disc shape.10. The method of claim 7, wherein the multiple second magnetic sourcesproduce one or more second magnetic fields at the second side of thestructure, and wherein the at least one conductive coil includes atleast one first conductive coil and at least one second conductive coil;and wherein: said providing includes providing the at least one firstconductive coil and the at least one second conductive coil; and saidconstructing includes constructing the apparatus such that the at leastone first conductive coil is to interact with the one or more firstmagnetic fields at the first side of the structure and such that the atleast one second conductive coil is to interact with the one or moresecond magnetic fields at the second side of the structure.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said forming further comprises: forming thestructure including the multiple first magnetic sources and the multiplesecond magnetic sources, respective ones of the multiple first magneticsources corresponding to respective ones of the multiple second magneticsources.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said forming furthercomprises: forming first respective corresponding magnetic sources ofthe multiple first magnetic sources at first respective positions of thefirst side of the structure and second respective corresponding magneticsources of the multiple second magnetic sources at second respectivepositions of the second side of the structure, the first respectivepositions of the first side of the structure located respectivelyopposite the second respective positions of the second side of thestructure.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said forming furthercomprises: forming first respective corresponding magnetic sources ofthe multiple first magnetic sources with first respective polarities atthe first side of the structure and second respective correspondingmagnetic sources of the multiple second magnetic sources with secondrespective polarities at the second side of the structure, the firstrespective polarities having respectively opposite polarities to thesecond respective polarities.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein saidconstructing comprises: locating an end of the at least one conductivecoil in proximity to a surface of the first side of the structure suchthat the at least one conductive coil is positioned at least partiallywithin the one or more first magnetic fields.
 15. The method of claim 1,wherein said forming comprises: printing the multiple magnetic elementsinto the piece of magnetizable material by moving at least one of (i)the magnetizing print head or (ii) the piece of magnetizable material.